Diet During Examinations

Some children sail through exams with very little stress. In fact, some parents wish their children would get more stressed about exams! For others even small tests cause real anxiety. Many students experience heightened stress levels as examinations approach and in some cases that stress can become very acute, resulting in what many people refer to as panic attacks. Depending upon the basic constitution of the person, there can be three basic personality type reactions

• The anxious nervous personality who indulges in endless cups of tea, coffee and areated drinks.
• The angry, frustrated personality who becomes short tempered and wants to over eat all the fast food and unhealthy food.
• The depressed type who eats a lot of rich food to feel better.

There is no doubt about it that exams really are exhausting. The best way to get over the final hurdle is to keep revising according to a timetable, take plenty of breaks and get out into the fresh air for a break. But diet is also one of the important aspects when you are appearing for an exam.

When you're studying for finals, good nutrition often slides way down on the priority list. It's easy to get into the habit of gurgling coffee and gobbling namkeens, because you don't want to waste time on food preparation. But, actually, good nutrition should be part of your study plan because it's going to help you ace those tests. The better the fuel your brain gets, the better you'll study. There are some basic principles of eating healthy and beneficial during examinations.

What to Eat? 

• Take small frequent meals to ensure that the blood and brain sugar levels are well maintained.
• Drink enough water to maintain the hydration level in the body.
• Take healthy snacks like channa murmura with a few raisins, muesli, fruits, dhokla, khandvi, roasted grains or idli.
• Take a small measure of raw sprouts, 5 almonds, 1 fig daily.
• Have a glass of tomato+carrot+beetroot juice daily as this complete health cocktail will ensure that you get lots of antioxidants which will increase the body immunity and help repair cell damage.
• If you have a sweet tooth, eat natural sweet like figs, prunes, raisins.
• To get a good night sleep drink a glass of milk at bed time (asthmatics can skip this).

What NOT to Eat?

• Avoid large and heavy meals as they tend to make you full resulting in you feeling a bit sleepy.
• Avoid junk food as they increase the insulin rush which result in restlessness, rapid heart rate and inability to concentrate. These foods also cause sudden fluctuations in the levels of serotonin in the brain due to which the memory is affected. 
• Avoid foods full of preservatives as they can cause allergies and can lead to asthmatic attacks.
• Avoid foods high in trans fatty acids as they can cause oxidation and damage at the cellular levels.

Non strenuous exercise is another essential aspect during exam time. Gentle walking, swimming, jogging or cycling support memory function and help to de-stress students. Be sure to take out time for some fun everyday. Having a good laugh is a great way to de-stress and have fun. Have a set hour of leisure time everyday to have fun. Do not use this time to watch TV or read other books/magazines. Avoid any activity which strains the eyes as your eyes too need rest. Go out and play, take a walk, go meet a friend in the neighborhood, do some yoga, meditation or anything you like is best. GOOD LUCK!