2008 Woodie Awards
Study time can be tea time too
Katrina Hartwood
Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: Life
The middle of the semester may be one of the most difficult and stressful times of the semester. Finals are the last stretch before a couple months of sunshine and freedom and there always seems to be more motivation to do well when the semester is just beginning.
Previous columns have discussed important factors in keeping your body healthy to perform at your peak level during classes. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and good fat in moderation will not only give you lasting energy throughout the day but your immune system is more likely not to fail you when you are giving your body the nutrients it needs. Just because you are able to fight off colds and the flu better because of a nutrient rich diet, you may not be able to fight off the fatigue that comes after hours of studying in the library.
Caffeine is the usual option when it is either a late night studying, or an early morning in class or work. Typically, when I think of caffeine, I think of energy drinks, that are not only loaded with caffeine but contain large amounts of sugar, and mostly, I think of coffee. Coffee not only gives you the immediate boost of energy and alertness, but it can also be comforting to drink. Another comforting caffeine containing beverage is tea.
Tea, which has variable amounts of caffeine depending on the type of tea, can be a great alternative to the usual caffeinated beverage you turn to. Late night study sessions before an exam in the morning may need a little stimulation to focus and stay awake but coffee might just be too much caffeine. Green tea, which has roughly one third of the caffeine as regular drip coffee, can be a great alternative during late night study sessions. Having too much caffeine can make getting to bed difficult and the benefits of a good night's sleep cannot be compared with the effects of running on coffee. Slightly less caffeine may provide you with the slight energy boost you need to concentrate without causing insomnia.
Previous columns have discussed important factors in keeping your body healthy to perform at your peak level during classes. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and good fat in moderation will not only give you lasting energy throughout the day but your immune system is more likely not to fail you when you are giving your body the nutrients it needs. Just because you are able to fight off colds and the flu better because of a nutrient rich diet, you may not be able to fight off the fatigue that comes after hours of studying in the library.
Caffeine is the usual option when it is either a late night studying, or an early morning in class or work. Typically, when I think of caffeine, I think of energy drinks, that are not only loaded with caffeine but contain large amounts of sugar, and mostly, I think of coffee. Coffee not only gives you the immediate boost of energy and alertness, but it can also be comforting to drink. Another comforting caffeine containing beverage is tea.
Tea, which has variable amounts of caffeine depending on the type of tea, can be a great alternative to the usual caffeinated beverage you turn to. Late night study sessions before an exam in the morning may need a little stimulation to focus and stay awake but coffee might just be too much caffeine. Green tea, which has roughly one third of the caffeine as regular drip coffee, can be a great alternative during late night study sessions. Having too much caffeine can make getting to bed difficult and the benefits of a good night's sleep cannot be compared with the effects of running on coffee. Slightly less caffeine may provide you with the slight energy boost you need to concentrate without causing insomnia.
Be the first to comment on this story