Running Low on Energy?

With finals coming up, you may have noticed you are feeling a lot more tired. Chances are you have been switching out sleeping time for studying time and forgetting to eat – both of which may take your stress levels to the highest they've been all semester. You are exhausted. Finals can pay a heavy toll on our health and well-being. Some people may not realize it but their feeling of fatigue may not just be from the stress of finals. The following tips are useful in identifying ways in which energy can be boosted or drained.

Reasons Your Energy May Be Low

• You are not drinking enough water. 
• You don't eat breakfast. There is a reason why everyone says breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When breakfast is skipped, the bodies metabolism is slow and does not get started as soon as it should. You also need to start your day by fueling up. 
• You stay up late. It is important to have a sleep schedule in which you get adequate sleeping time.
• You are eating too many sugars and fats.
• You are stressed.  

Tips to Boost Your Energy

• Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
• Exercise at least 20 minutes a day. 
• Keep a nutritious diet. Eat a balance of protein's, vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates. Try to make sure your carbohydrates consists of whole wheat, whole grains, and high in fiber. 
• Take a break from your studying for personal time. This may help in managing your stress.  

Good luck on finals and have a safe and healthy summer! 

For more tips check out our Fatigue handout by  following the link below.
BYU-Idaho Student Health Center

 Resources:
Student Health Center. (2012) "Nutrition and Hydration" Patient Education. 
Samadi, David B. (2014) "5 Habits That Are Draining Your Energy" Fox News. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/07/09/5-habits-that-are-draining-your-energy/