Taylor Wang

Midterms are right around the corner. The American Psychological Association reports that college students’ mental and physical health is worsening. Despite the message that “health is wealth” was taught in kindergarten, young adults are ignoring their well-being. Whether studying or partying—both activities synonymous with college life—students are burning their midnight oil. So before you hit the reading period for this year’s midterms at Abington, check out the following healthy tips.

A balanced diet is the key to a wholesome body, and among the three meals (hopefully three), breakfast is the most important. According to research by IV Therapy Academic Training, skipping breakfast can undermine cognitive function due to yo-yo-ing blood sugar levels. Skipping breakfast contributes to why some students feel lethargic all day. Yet, according to a report by Cambridge University, many students still choose not to eat breakfast.

As my roommate Tony (computer science major) puts it, “I don’t have an appetite at 7:30 in the morning. Plus, my first class starts at 8:15. I don’t have time for breakfast.” But grabbing food from Abington’s cafeteria is not time-consuming at all. Set your alarm ten minutes earlier, and you can pick something you like from the cafeteria to eat on your way to class. Your breakfast doesn’t have to be a “banquet.” Something light such as a cup of yogurt or eggs–anything with protein and carbohydrates–should keep you energized until lunchtime.

Leon Martinez advises in “Understanding the Ideal of Light Breakfast”: “[food with rich protein] can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full for longer, reducing the likelihood of reaching for unhealthy snacks later in the daylthough some may not be hungry when they wake up for 8 AM classes. For optimal efficiency, make sure to eat something.

According to American Academy of Sleep Medicine–a research-based society that promotes sleep care–lack of sleep is a major issue among college students. Many students experience low energy, even fatigue, during class time. However, sleeping late is inevitable because students have to review for exams or submit assignments before the due date. Nonetheless, it is in every student’s best interest to learn how to balance work and sleep.

A viable solution is to take short naps. The brain uses nap time to process information gathered during the day, and this results in the enhancement of problem-solving abilities. Not only does one experience “nap-mediated benefits,” such as improved cognitive abilities, naps also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Sleep retards the buildup of fight-or-flight chemicals that cause abnormal blood pressure. Indeed, many companies have instituted “napping rooms” in an effort to improve employee health.

For students, the ideal nap time is under 30 minutes. Any longer than a half hour and one risks sleep inertia, or that extended feeling of grogginess commonly after waking up from a long sleep. Napping can be invigorating; however, it defeats the purpose of napping if one naps too long, be sure to set an alarm.

Dr. Erin Donnelly Muchos, professor of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, reports the cardiovascular harms of sitting stationarily for too long. When studying, students should stand up every thirty minutes or so and take a quick walk around the room for no less than 2 minutes. Getting the blood flowing definitely improves your productivity, and it is preventative medicine.

Although midterms are looming, do not overlook your health; tend to yourselves despite the heavy workload. An alert mind in a wholesome body is the cornerstone to academic success.