How to: Live a Healthier Life During Midterms/Finals

Lauren Khoury

1. Pack a lunch and supper the night before for a long day at the lib 

A nutritious meal packed with carbs, proteins and fats is essential to feed your body and brain when you’re studying for hours everyday... taking the time to pack your meals the night before is cost-efficient, healthier and yummier than caf food. Getting home at 11pm and don’t think you have time? Sleep in an extra 30 minutes and you’ll thank me later. 

2. Sneak in some exercise with little changes to your lifestyle 

While going to the gym or a spin class might be the best stress reliever, I know not all feel like they have the time for this. Instead, make small, active changes to your everyday that make you move more. Stand on the metro instead of taking that seat. Walk to school instead of taking the bird or go for walks during breaks with friends and enjoy montreal while the weather is still nice! 

3. Sleep with your computer and phone outside of your room. 

Promise yourself that when you go to bed it’s to sleep - not to scroll through YouTube for hours or fall asleep with Netflix. These tactics lead to sleep deprivation and the blue light of our screens unnecessarily activate our brains. 

4. Maintain a positive attitude 

It’s easy to fall into an endless cycle of complaining about school, but this isn’t a proactive method of dealing with your stress. Instead, surround yourself with positive people, shift your mentality and watch yourself flourish. 

5. If you feel like you’re struggling, talk to someone 

Whether it be a confidant, a teacher or a professional, your wellbeing should come first. If you are having a hard time dealing with the stress of exam season or if you have other worries, it’s in your best interest to speak to someone! Here is a short list of resources available to McGill students:

McGill Peer Support: https://psc.ssmu.ca/

Student Wellness Hub: https://www.mcgill.ca/wellness-hub/

AMI Quebec: https://amiquebec.org/