Studying is the devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge of (an academic subject), especially by means of books. Studying well guarantees more knowledge and overall improvement in one’s result. This can be for research purposes, for exams, for tests, for competitions, and so on.
Studying is one of the least favorite activities of students followed by homework. Of course, Just so you know studying does not have to be a burdensome or boring task.
Today we will examine the ways to make studying more fun and less punishing.
Snacking is munching on snacks. However, in this context, we will delve more into the healthy snacks kind of snacking.
The first snack on our list is Fresh fruits. This can include more common fruits like Apple, Banana, Carrot, grapes, cucumbers, and lots more.
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and so on contains Vitamin C which is essential for brain health as it helps in the production of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. They are known to provide a Natural energy boost and more vitamins!
Following is ‘Nuts and seeds’; They are packed with healthy fats, protein, and nutrients to keep you satisfied and focused. Examples of this include Peanuts (groundnut), Walnuts, Cashew nuts, tiger nuts, kola nuts, Candlenuts, and Coconut amongst several others.
Nut consumption is linked to better cognitive function, reduced risk of depression, better mood, and enhanced memory, learning and attention capacity. Nuts contain fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which have essential roles in many aspects of brain health.
The third snack is Dark Chocolate: A small piece of dark chocolate can provide antioxidants and a little caffeine to enhance concentration. Examples of dark chocolate brands in Nigeria include Ritter Sport dark chocolate, Toren classic dark chocolate, Dune 70% dark chocolate, and lots more.
Studies show that eating high-flavanol cocoa can improve blood flow to the brain in young adults. This may explain why eating cocoa daily appears to improve attention, verbal learning, and memory.
We also have Greek yogurt: High in protein and calcium, Greek yogurt can keep you full and provide a steady release of energy.
Hollandia yogurt tops the list of yogurt brands in Nigeria. A healthy gut microbiome, supported by probiotics found in Greek yogurt, influences neurotransmitter production, leading to improved mood and cognitive function. The probiotics in Greek yogurt work to balance gut bacteria, reducing inflammation and promoting the production of neurotransmitters.
Our list also includes Whole grain snacks: Opt for whole grain crackers or popcorn, which provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Common examples are FOX’s Chocolate cookies, Welch’s mixed fruit snacks, whole wheat crackers, and so on. Whole grains are a great source for B vitamins, which help metabolize nutrients for the brain for energy, improve cognitive decline, and help protect against dementia. Pairing your crackers with low-fat cheese adds protein and vitamin D, which keep the brain healthy and strong.
Last but not the least on this list is Green Tea. Do less soda and more fruit juice, and green tea which boosts caffeine and antioxidants to boost alertness and focus. Green tea contains a potent combo of both caffeine and l-theanine, making it a great study aid that can help boost your brainpower and induce a state of calm and focus.
In addition, green tea contains especially high amounts of a catechin known as EGCG, which may be beneficial for learning and memory.
Munching on any of the above snacks while studying will guarantee you a more fun study session, a more healthy nutrition diet, and improve your brain function.
Asides snacking healthily, other healthy tips to help boost your brain while studying are:
Ensure you Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout your study sessions to keep your brain and body functioning at its best.
Eat balanced diets : Fuel your body with nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to maintain energy levels and focus.
Do Take regular breaks: Give yourself short breaks every hour or so to stretch, move around, and refresh your mind; Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night or at intervals to help with memory retention and cognitive function.
Be active: Incorporate exercise into your routine to boost blood flow to the brain and improve concentration.
Manage stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or talking to a friend or family member.
Create a study schedule: Plan out your study sessions in advance to stay organized and avoid cramming at the last minute.
Stay positive: Maintain a positive/ Optimistic mindset and believe in your abilities. Celebrate small achievements along the way to stay motivated.
