Courtney Zonnefeld, class of 2018 and former library employee, gave her fellow students this advice last year as she was preparing to graduate:

Though self-care can easily become a low-priority task during finals season, healthy routines can actually help students pass exams. Psychology Today’s Ruth White reminds us that the body and memory are interconnected: don’t starve your brain when you’re trying to study, review, and write! Here are some easy ways to stay healthy during a time of extra stress:

• Snack Time: Pack a healthy snack, like carrots and hummus or a nutty snack mix, to munch while you’re working on that take-home essay. The protein will keep you energized.
• Take a Walk: Hunching over a laptop for hours can create tension and strain on your body. Stand up and take a quick loop around campus. If you bring your study buddy along, you could even spend the time reviewing!
• Rest Up: According to Ruth White, 6-8 hours of sleep per night “maximizes memory function and brain function overall.” Set a timer to remind yourself to pack up your things and head to bed.

Here are some additional tips from Ruth White about making it through finals without losing your sanity.

(Photo taken by Dorothy Joseph - https://dorothyjoseph.com)