Finals are a stressful time for college students. You are so busy studying and trying to do your best on the exam that you may find yourself pulling all-nighters, loading up on caffeine, skipping meals, and eating junk food! In order to concentrate and perform your best on exams, your body needs an optimal amount of fuel and rest. Follow these five tips to keep a healthy mind and body during finals week:

1. Eat Well. Even if you regularly skip breakfast or avoid eating when you are stressed, it is important to take the time to eat. Very simple: your brain needs the energy from food to work efficiently. Studies suggest that eating a healthy breakfast improves brain function, particularly memory and recall, which is essential for soaking up new knowledge and applying it later in exams. Make sure you fit meal times into your schedule to stay focused and help you study more effectively!
2. Choose Healthy Snacks and Drinks. Ditch the candy and soda, and fuel your body with healthy, on-the-go snacks like trail mix (fruit and nuts), string cheese, whole grain crackers, low-fat yogurt, or low calorie dips like hummus and salsa. Filling your body with healthy snacks will keep you feeling energized and attentive, while snacks with lots of sugar and fat will leave you feeling sluggish. Also, be sure to drink water to stay hydrated while studying! Having a reusable water bottle with you at all times will serve as a reminder to drink water.
3. Get moving. While in the depths of studying, put the book down and close your computer, and simply take a 20-30 minute walk or get a quick workout in. Moving your body after long periods of sitting is an effective way of clearing your mind and being able to refocus your attention with a renewed motivation.
4. Get enough sleep. Proper amounts of sleep increase your ability to intake and retain knowledge and information.  A lack of sleep does just the opposite. Try to make a schedule for studying that allows for at least 8 hours of sleep the night before your exam. You will be well rested and ready to tackle the exam!
5. Keep calm and carry on.  When you are finally taking your test, try to keep calm. Too much stress can cause anxiety and tension, which can have a negative impact on performance, i.e. second-guessing yourself. Expect some anxiety, it is a reminder that you want to do your best. Take deep, slow breaths and try to relax.

Good luck!