We've talked a lot about our productivity and academic efficiency, but I thought it will be important to address how to get the energy to do it all. So, that's what we are doing today:
1. Nutrition
I think, we are all familiar with the statement "calories = energy". Yes, but we also have to consider where do those calories come from. Here is a list of foods that will give you cognitive energy:
1. Almonds: they contain Vitamin E, Magnesium and protein
2. Dark Chocolate: caffeine
3. Salmon: omega - 3 fatty acids (they prevent depression and elevate your mood)
4. Pop-corn (no butter): its a good source of carbohydrates, but does not contain a lot of calories
5. Leafy Greens: source of iron, which improves concentration levels
6. Blueberries: improve cognitive function, since they are loaded with antioxidants
7. Eggs: rich with protein and vitamins B
8. Water: in cognitive context, it helps relieve and/or prevent headaches
9. Oatmeal/Granola/Whole Wheats: complex carbohydrates, that will serve you with long-term energy
2. Exercise
Hopefully, I don't have to list all benefits of exercising to your health, but in terms of cognitive function, it will help you focus better and it will also increase the likelihood of you engaging in active studying. It is not necessary for you to go to the gym in order to exercise, but if you will spend 15-30 minutes in the morning and 15-30 in the evening it will certainly increase your overall energy! You could also spend your study breaks exercising, which will boost your energy levels and your mood.
If gym or regular exercising is a little boring for you, try dancing, swimming or even fighting (safely)!
3. Sleep
Sleep is essential for all cognitive functions and everything else too. Here is what will happen if you don't sleep well: weight gain, blurry vision, increased risk of cancer and diabetes, extreme fatigue, distractedness, memory loss, impaired speech, decreased libido (sexual drive), infections, heart disease etc. The conclusion is, YOU MUST SLEEP AT LEAST 7 HOURS EACH DAY in order to maintain your health. The optimal amount of hours would be 8-9, although 7 is an acceptable minimum!
Don't oversleep, though, it will bring you headaches and laziness.
4. Motivation
Doing anything requires some sort of motivation. Sometimes, it is hard to find, though. Motivation appears when one has a goal which one is seeking to achieve. It might be small, or big, but it will give you some motivation. So, make goals!
5. Know Yourself
You must know yourself well enough to determine the times of the day and places where you would be approaching your best potential. It is crucial, since without it, everything above won't be 100% efficient. So, learn what kind of learner you are and what atmosphere you enjoy being in, so it would be easier to concentrate your energy on actual productivity
6. Don't Waste Your Energy
That's self-explanatory enough, but not a lot of people are following it. Don't waste your energy on weird things like drinking or purposelessly arguing with someone, because it will only bring harm: fatigue, bad mood and stress, which causes a lot of problems.
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