With the semester coming to a close, busy days and late nights are all the more frequent. During the last few days of school, there is usually limited free-time available, with many people on campus rushing around campus to tie up any loose ends before the summer, and finish last-minute assignments. As busy as these last few days are, this is the time of the semester when it is crucial to remain healthy and energized. It is important to always remain in check of how we are feeling, and provide ourselves with time to breathe and relax. Below I have provided my top five tips for remaining healthy and at ease during finals week.

1. Always take a break. No matter how much work you have, or how jam-packed your schedule is, everyone at one time or another needs a break. It can be mentally exhausting working on the same paper for four hours straight, or studying manically in the library for an upcoming exam. Taking a break allows your mind to recharge, and become more focused on the task ahead. Working strenuously for a long period of time can wear down your system, and leave you struggling to complete the task ahead. When you begin to feel weary, step back and go for a walk or a short run. Check the internet for ten minutes, or even lie down and just breathe. Do whatever works best for you, and what will help you become refocused on the task ahead.

2. Be active. In between study sessions, try to do some form of exercise. Whether it’s going for a walk, playing Frisbee in the quad, or stretching for ten minutes, try to treat your body and mind to some form of physical activity. Working out helps you to wake up and become more focused, and energized. Try to work out right when you wake up in the morning, and it will help you to become more awake and ready for the day ahead.

3. Fill up on fruit. Fruits are probably the best for you to eat, as they are packed with Vitamin C and potassium. They help boost your immune system, and lower your blood pressure, which are imperative to keep in check during finals week. Plus, they trick your stomach into becoming fuller faster, which will help reduce any late night cravings when you are in the library.  Try having half of a grapefruit for breakfast, or bring blueberries, strawberries or a banana as a snack when you are on the go.

4. Moderate caffeine intake. I’m a huge coffee addict, and this addiction really kicks in during finals week. As great as caffeine is to help you stay awake, make sure that you always drink it in moderation. Try having one-two cups in the morning, and opt for decaf later in the afternoon. Even switch to a green or black tea later in the afternoon for a more natural caffeinated option. Too much caffeine intake can throw off your sleep cycle, and even make you more jittery and nervous when working or studying. Always remember to stay hydrated with water as you drink caffeine to help keep your system balanced.

5. Bring your own study snacks. As great as the late night snacks provided by the library and cafeteria are, try to bring a more filling and healthy snack of your own with you just in case. It is always great to have a more healthy option available, that you won’t feel guilty about after eating. A snack should recharge your body and make you feel more energized, not sleepy or sluggish. Some great snack combinations are an apple and a cheese stick, rice cakes with peanut butter, a fruit cup, kale chips, Larabars and pretzels and hummus. My all time favorite study snack is a homemade trail mix that I make, mixing my favorite selections from the bulk section in the grocery store together. Below is my go–to study snack.