Take the stress out of exams
By Kurt Wagner
Midterms. Just four weeks into what appeared to be the perfect quarter, it is becoming blatantly clear to me that actual work is on the horizon. But no need to fear. Instead of freaking out or driving your roommate into faking swine in order to avoid you, try these three tips for getting through midterms with your health, your sanity and a little bit of dignity.
First, hit the gym. Taking an hour or so to workout at the gym is my favorite way to beat stress and clear my head, and science agrees. Exercising helps your body to release endorphins, or neurotransmitters in the brain that have been found to create feelings of euphoria and relieve stress.
The great part about going to the gym is the stress-relief does not end with your physical workout. Take a hot shower to help relax your body physically and finish up with a snack to regain some of the lost energy from exercising. Having a glass of milk and a handful of almonds is the perfect post-workout snack; both foods contain a combination of protein in order to repair and build muscles along with antioxidants that eliminate free radicals in the body associated with causing stress.
Next, climb under the covers and take a nap. You wouldn't think that adding a few Z's to your afternoon would help you increase your test scores, but it can. Sleeping for short amounts of time (between 15 and 45 minutes) has been shown to increase levels of cognitive function, or in other words, increase a person's ability to become aware of and comprehend ideas. You will appreciate the increased patience and efficiency that also come after a short rest period for your body.
Warning: Be careful not to sleep too long. The human body sleeps in cycles, and sleeping for too long can make it very difficult to awaken and regain focus as you get into deeper sleep levels. Remember to set an alarm!
Finally, don't forget to laugh. Laughter, like exercise, can help relieve stress by releasing endorphins in the brain and relaxing the body. Research at the University of Maryland has shown that laughter can help your blood flow by keeping your blood vessels expanding and contracting more regularly. Proper blood flow is important, especially when sitting and studying for long periods of time.
Pop in a movie or watch a comedian to take the edge off of studying; sometimes watching a TV show like "Friends" or "The Office" is the perfect 22-minute break you need to help your body and mind unwind. No one likes laughing all by themselves, so watch with a friend or a group and you will laugh harder and more often than flying solo.