Tips for Increasing Your Student Energy

It’s no secret that college students have severe schedules, even in the summer. Between juggling classes, studying, assignments, internships, working a part time job, and making time for friends, it’s predictable that your energy levels are low.
Although most students resort to caffeine to remedy their lack of energy, there are viable alternatives.
Use these strategies to boost your energy without having to step into a coffee shop:
1. Exercise. When you need a fast energy boost, exercise is the best fix. Take a brisk walk, hop on an elliptical machine or bike around campus for 20 minutes. The energy boosting effects are nearly instant and can last up to two hours.
• Exercise, especially running, increases your alertness and the level of endorphins. Endorphins are known mood boosters. So, you’ll have more brainpower to completing your paper, and you’ll also be happy to do it!
2. Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Partying at all hours of the night can destroy your energy level and jeopardize your chances of academic success. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure your body gets enough rest to function efficiently.
• A lack of sleep has can cause early physical signs of aging, such as hyper-pigmentation on eyelids, puffy under-eye circles, and wrinkles.
3. Indulge in a power nap. A 30-minute power nap can provide you with an instant boost of energy. If you don’t have a half hour to spare, a 10 or 15-minute snooze may provide enough energy to power you through the rest of your day.
• You may be tempted to just forge on through your tight deadlines instead of taking a nap. However, after arising from your power nap, you’ll be able to accomplish double the results you would attain if you were to keep working without a break.
• In addition to immediately boosting energy levels, power napping also increases your ability to retain information.
4. Minimize the junk. Avoid unhealthy foods that are laden with fat, sugar, and preservatives. These foods widen your waistline and make you feel groggy after each meal.
• Maintain a balanced diet. It’s okay to indulge in a piece of chocolate every now and then. But eating microwavable macaroni and cheese and cinnamon buns every night adversely affect your energy and school performance.
5. Eat often. Eat five small meals throughout the day to keep both your metabolism and your energy functioning at optimum capacity. Avoid skipping meals, even though you are often short on time.
• If you’re running around and always in a hurry, do your best to eat three medium-sized meals throughout the day. Carry fruit and granola bars in your bag to eat between meals.
• It’s healthier to eat five small meals scattered throughout the day, rather than three large meals. Eating heavy meals depletes your energy faster than you can put the fork down.
6. Smell peppermint. Peppermint has a strong, refreshing scent that can wake up even the drowsiest student. Peppermint candles, peppermint oil, or peppermint scented air freshener sprayed throughout your dorm room contain the power to invigorate your senses.
7. Eat carbohydrates. Fuel your body with smart carbohydrates. Make smart food choices such as wheat bread, beans, and healthy bran cereals.
Combine several of these tips to supercharge your energy level in a very short time. Say goodbye to the days of coffee highs and crashes. Small changes you make today can make a huge difference in how you feel and your performance in the classroom.