As a recent graduate, I know all about exam stress and the fatigue that it sometimes comes with. During exams, I would always find myself at the doctor’s office due to the constant tiredness, increased anxiety and irritability, increased heart rate, headaches and the list goes on.

Final exams can be draining, worse for the matriculants as they are under national scrutiny. Here are some things you can do to keep your head above water during these trying times:

REST.

It is no use pushing yourself only to get to the exam room and your brain blacks out because of the lack of rest. Instead of taking a TV break, take a short nap – it is more beneficial.

EXERCISE.

This will help renew your energy levels. You do not need a gym membership to exercise. Any physical activity can help keep the anxiety at bay. You can dance along to Ciara’s ‘Body Party’, jog, run up the stairs, take a ten-minute walk, or try a few easy yoga poses at home.

SKIP THE PARTIES.

Forget about turning up for a while. It may not seem like it right now, but there is life after exams, you can eat your youth then. There will be a whole lot more parties in December – when you are done writing.

SMARTPHONE HIATUS.

Put away your smartphone. Social networks can be very distractive and time consuming. That “ten-minutes” online can turn into two-hours, avoid them as much as you can.

EAT HEALTHY.

Avoid skipping meals and keep in mind that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Let brain-boosting foods dominate your diet.

SNACK WELL.

Caffeinated drinks will give you a temporary high that will soon after be followed by a crash – a real low. Junk food will leave you feeling sluggish and that’s the last thing you want when studying. Drink lots of water and for those who can’t study without snacking on something, try these healthier options:

-fresh nuts
-sliced up apple with peanut butter
-unsalted popcorn
-sliced carrots or celery
-non-fat yogurt
-bananas (or any fresh fruit)
-dark chocolate

I was extremely disappointed when I called my pharmacist cousin and instead of telling me which pills would help, she simply said “Exercise and eat well.” This turned out to be the best advice ever. Hopefully this will also be of great assistance to you.

Follow Aluwani Ratshiungo on twitter.