Studying is a stressful enough task without constantly losing focus and energy due to a poor lifestyle while trying to cram for your late assignments or the upcoming test you have to take. Without a proper routine during college, it is all too easy to become overwhelmed with the task at hand. This can lead to a feeling that you are drowning in the stress and workload commitments that come with achieving excellent grades at college. It is therefore in everybody’s interests that you find a routine that will help you to meet your commitments without feeling overwhelmed. This is where the trinity of educational success comes into play; sleep, nutrition and exercise.
Sleep
With jobs, studying, socializing, extracurricular activities and everything else that students try to cram into every single day, sleep is often one of the last that you will think about. Yet without proper sleeping patterns you will begin to feel more and more drained as the days go by, leading to a loss in concentration, productivity and focus. Although running your life on naps seems like a good idea it doesn’t allow the body to reach the vital stages of sleep that are required to repair and revitalize your body. It often takes a few hours to reach your deep sleep phase, which is the crucial phase for lasting wellness. It is therefore essential that you aim to get at least 6 hours solid sleep each night to be fighting fit every day to meet and exceed your commitments.
Nutrition
Eating properly is essential if you wish to feel energized for those long days of lectures and study. It’s far too easy to skip dinners and survive on junk food and ramen when at college, however your body will not be receiving the right nutrition for you to perform as well as you can at college. It’s important to eat 3 solid meals each day which can be subsidized with 2 snacks for when you need that extra boost. Eat healthy fresh foods and healthy carbs such as whole-wheat grains and oats to provide long lasting energy throughout the day.
Exercise
Last of all in the trinity of educational success is exercise but this is by far not the least. Good exercise, combined with proper nutrition and sleep, will put your body back in sync. For starters, it allows you to keep fit which improves not only your physical stamina but also your mental ability, perfect for those nights you stay up late studying and surviving on pizza. A quick jog or some time spent in the gym will leave you feeling relaxed, detoxed and energized. At the same time exercise also increases the happy chemicals (serotonin) leading to a greater sense of fulfillment at college.
Try to meet the holy trinity of educational success daily if you can, providing your body with the right tools; sleep, nutrition and exercise will allow you to perform better under the stresses of college. By keeping your body and mind perfectly balanced you will be better able to balance the commitments of college.
