CREATING BALANCE Importance of diet and sleep to manage stress during Year 12 This session explored the importance of diet and nutrition particularly during stressful periods throughout the year. What students eat is extremely important to performance in the classroom and during exam periods. What students eat effects chemicals in the brain which can help with greater memory, concentration, stable moods and help to reduce stress levels. Some foods or simply no food at all have significant impacts on concentration, memory and stress which lead to being unable to cope with day-today life including school, study, and relationships. Students may become overwhelmed and are less likely to cope well in times of stress with poor food choices.
PRACTICAL TIPS
Get involved with the household grocery shopping Wholegrains Omega 3s – Tuna, Salmon & Almonds Protein especially for breakfast Fruit & Veg – go 2 & 5 daily serves Avoid sugary drinks, energy drinks, drugs, and alcohol.
If a balanced diet cannot be sustained then maybe a multi-vitamin or other supplements, like fish oil (1000mg), could be considered, and is particularly useful just before and during stressful times. Students can predict stressful times simply by looking at the assessment schedule and exam timetable.