The X-Ray Vision-aries Blog

X-Ray Vision-aries is a healthy and green living blog designed for non-health nuts. We hope that by looking at health and the environment in a non-technical and light-hearted manner that makes learning about and improving one's health, environment and life accessible to everyone, we can all learn a thing or two. Enjoy!

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    • Health Tips for Hell Week

    These days, even competitive elementary and junior high schools have a form of hell week, but nothing compares to finals time in college. You’ve got 20-page research papers to wrap up, exams that account for 20% of your grade, scheduling deadlines for the next semester, presentations to give on only a couple of hours of sleep, and packing to do so that you won’t be fined for staying too long in your dorm. Add to that the little things that add up just to annoy you and make it harder to get your work done: broken printers and no free computers at the library, grumpy roommates, and an empty spot where your favorite study snack is supposed to be. As hard as it is, hell week is the most important time to pay attention to your health, since you need a magnum immune system and level head to get you through to the break. You want your parents to give you a hug when you come home, and not cringe in disgusted horror at your disheveled zombie appearance, don’t you?

    Pulling all-nighters is just a part of the college experience, and depending on your exam schedule, you may just have to endure one or two, no matter how prepared you try to be. But compensate for all-nighters and a lack of regular sleep by scheduling cat naps or even one-to-two-hour naps during the day. You have to make time for sleep, and not just for your health: sleep improves memory, helps you retain knowledge, and can help you approach problems more rationally. Your diet is another important part of staying healthy during hell week. You might think you’re eating all day because you’re nervously popping Skittles in your mouth all day as you study, but if you haven’t had real meals, you’re going to crash fast. Try to have at least one decent meal each day, where you sit at a table and aren’t shoveling food into your mouth over your textbooks. The rest of the time, choose healthy foods that you can take with you or keep in your dorm refrigerator, like yogurt, apples, granola bars, nuts, and peanut butter sandwiches. Foods with Vitamin C will also keep your immune system kicking.

    To help balance stress and give you a little more assistance with clearing your head (and possible falling asleep faster), exercise can also help. Put your gym clothes on in the morning, and take a 30-minute study break by going for a run or doing some yoga. You don’t have to stick to your regular routine, but even a light jog can really keep you healthy and mentally balanced during hell week.