Keeping it together during final exams

kgillis87
kgillis87 Posts: 43 Member
in Motivation and Support
So I'm currently in the middle on my finals, and although I've been doing okay so far, I have 5 exams in the next 4 days. I'm concerned about not having the time to do things right, like preparing my own meals, and I'm also worried I'm going to succumb to the convenience factor of my typical quick fixes and snacks (think cookie dough, chips, fast food stops). In the past, these sorts of setbacks have derailed me, and I'm really hoping to avoid that this time around. I'm wondering what works for you when time is tight, and when you can't do things the way you want to. Please let me know - all advice is welcome (and desperately wanted!)

Replies

  • katie1286
    katie1286 Posts: 26 Member
    I know this feeling! I'm getting married in 5 days, so I'm definitely in my own kind of crunch time!

    First of all, I think awareness of the possibility of a setback is a good thing. Knowing that you don't want to have those snacks/meals from the get-go is a good start!!

    That said, I have to load up on healthy/easy snacks. For me, this means I stock my purse/work bag/backpack with apples, clementines, bananas, granola bars, etc. That way, if you're mid-study session and get hungry, you have food available right at your fingertips rather than going and buying the unhealthy stuff.

    At times like these, I focus less on eating meals and more on what I can eat when I'm hungry. I mean, I may not pack a "lunch", but I pack a variety of healthy foods that I'll eat throughout the day. I find it's easier for me.

    Last, make sure you take a break from studying while you're eating. Or at least portion out your foods when you're eating. If you're staring at your textbook, it's way easier to eat your way through an entire box of crackers when you only meant to have a serving of 10-15.

    All that said, don't let stress of what you're eating add to stress of finals! Finals are stressful enough. If you slip up 1 day and end up with some fast food, don't let it ruin your mood and confidence. 1 day will be fine, you'll make up for it later.
  • kgillis87
    kgillis87 Posts: 43 Member
    So many great tips! Thank you so much :) and congratulations on your wedding!
  • love4fitnesslove4food_wechange
    love4fitnesslove4food_wechange Posts: 6,897 Member


    All that said, don't let stress of what you're eating add to stress of finals! Finals are stressful enough. If you slip up 1 day and end up with some fast food, don't let it ruin your mood and confidence. 1 day will be fine, you'll make up for it later.

    QFT
  • LuHox
    LuHox Posts: 136
    I've been there and know how you feel! The most helpful thing is to be prepared and make food ahead of time... have a plan...
    If that fails and you find yourself in a situation where it's eat something bad or don't eat, be sure not to fall into the "all or nothing" trap and stay away from "slippery slopes". I'm not sure what your diet is like, but just as a general example if you have to get fast food, Grab something from Subway or Panera Bread (or whatever you have similar where you live). Carry a big purse and keep whatever healthy snacks you can in there.... protein bars, granola bars, apples/oranges... whatever fits with your healthy lifestyle. There are a couple of girls I go to school with who I see with an apple or orange between classes, and even a girl who carries protein powder & a shaker bottle in her purse and as far as I know nobody thinks its weird lol... so it wouldn't be so out of the ordinary :) If you don't let yourself get hungry, you're less likely to slip up. For me, the hungrier I get the more likely I am to make poor choices.

    I guess basically the gist is make it as easy as possible for yourself and have healthy choices at an arm's reach so it's easier than falling back on unhealthy snacks & drinks.
  • nas061
    nas061 Posts: 256 Member
    I'd say concentrate on your finals! don't stress about what you are eating. You won't get a second chance at your exams but you have the rest of your life to deal with dietary issues.

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