During exams, many students struggle with concentration issues. Eating healthy, along with the right amount of exercise, is the answer. Because a healthy mind lives in a healthy body.
So, never skip breakfast. In fact, your breakfast should be the most important meal of the day. Eating three traditional, heavy meals tend to make one lethargic; try dividing your meals into five or six small portions instead. It is not recommended to follow any strict diet routine during exams. But, you should try to eat healthy and light foods, which will help keep you active.
Add food products high in fiber, such as oatmeal and barley, to your diet.
Include seasonal fruits and vegetables in your meals to feel energetic.
Protein-rich foods such as sprouts, dairy products, eggs and black grams, should be consumed.
Junk foods, energy drinks, carbonated drinks should be avoided as they are calorie-dense and make you lethargic.
Dry fruits such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios as well as flax seeds are good source of healthy fats and nutrients like omega-3 and zinc, which aid memory.
Keep your body hydrated. Drink plenty of water during the day.
When it comes to exercise, you can pick any time of the day as per your convenience. However, the best time to exercise is early morning as it helps keep you energetic through the day. Twenty minutes or even less of exercise, once or twice a day, helps students to study better. According to a recent study, children who are engaged in some form of physical activity are more active and show better concentration and perform better on their academic tests than children who are not physically active. Here’s how exercise helps:
Increases blood flow to the body and brain, improving your memory.
Betters your coordination and reflexes.
Helps you to sleep better, so you wake up relaxed and calm.
Releases feel-good hormones in the body.
(The author is fitness expert, nutritionist and director, GFFI Fitness Academy, Delhi)