Benefits of good energy levels for students
With assignments stacking up and keeping on top of social appearances, the busy life of a university student can make it tricky to realise where your energy levels are until it’s too late and you’re burnt out. Sound familiar? Not to worry! From staying hydrated to reducing stress, we’ve compiled a list of ways to improve energy levels as a student – and no, our advice does not include consuming copious amounts of coffee!
Boosting your energy levels not only has a positive impact on your productivity and your academic achievements, but it also improves your immune system and well-being, helping you to fight off that fresher’s flu. This way, you can enjoy the full uni experience whilst still being able to focus on your studies. So, how do you improve your energy levels at university?
Tips for improving energy levels as a student
1. Get your beauty sleep
It may seem obvious, but the first step to improving your energy levels is to get your full amount of recommended hours of sleep. This varies for each person, factoring in your age and health, but it is recommended by the NHS that adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep.
2. Stop hitting snooze
This might be hard to hear, but hitting snooze or setting multiple alarms that go off in ten-minute increments is doing you no favours! When you wake, it’s likely
that you’ve just finished the REM cycle. By hitting snooze, you’ll fall straight back into it, only to be disturbed moments later. When you wake up during REM, you still have high levels of melatonin (the hormone that makes you tired), making it more challenging to get up and on with your day.
3. Stay hydrated
To stay hydrated, you should aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Although it won’t give you an energy boost as such, it will prevent symptoms of dehydration, including fatigue and tiredness. According to Healthline, it also has a great impact on your brain function, increasing your concentration levels as well as your mood.
4. Keeping up with the cardio
Although you might think that regular physical activity exhausts you, it actually sends oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, helping your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. Over time your heart and lung health will improve, leaving you with more energy to tackle your daily tasks. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week for best results.
At Novel Student Accommodation, you can benefit from our world-class fitness facilities. With on-site gyms or studios, reaching your fitness goals is easy.
Photo by Mikael Kristenson on Unsplash
5. Food for thought
When you’re at uni, it’s easy to live off pasta and takeouts. But, as tasty as they are, living off carbs is not the answer! Eating a healthy, balanced diet, including your five pieces of fruit and veg, is critical for improving your energy levels. Following The Eatwell Guide is a great place to start.
You don’t have to cut all things nice out of your life – it’s all about the balance. Having said that, try to stay away from energy drinks. It’s tempting to reach for them during late-night study sessions, but they provide you with a small boost of energy before sending you into a sugar crash.
Try incorporating more leafy greens into your diet, as well as whole grains and healthy fats including fish, nuts and seeds – these are great for battling tiredness.
6. Limit your alcohol intake
A lot of people choose their university based on the nightlife, but alcohol-based activities don’t have to be a recurring pattern. Alcohol acts as a sedative, making you feel drowsy and relaxed, which is why it’s believed to be an effective way to fall asleep faster. However, the quality of sleep you get is likely to be poor and interrupted.
7. Reduce stress
Whether you’re worried about exams or overloaded with deadlines, it’s normal to feel stressed. But what happens to your body when you’re experiencing stress? In short, your body goes into fight or flight. You’ll release adrenaline, causing your heart to beat faster and increasing your blood pressure, giving you a burst of energy for a short period of time. After the adrenaline rush, there is a drop in your blood sugar levels, which is why you may feel tired after feeling stressed. One of the best ways to reduce this is by managing your time effectively. For more information, check out our time management guide for students.
8. Enjoy time in the great outdoors
Spending time in the fresh air is a simple way to improve your energy levels. You’ll be exposed to sunlight (even if it is covered by grey clouds) which produces a chemical called serotonin – the happy hormone. It can give you more energy as well as keep you focused and calm.
9. Beat the burnout
Feeling tired and drained daily are the main warnings that you’re suffering from burnout. There are many things you can do to prevent it from happening, including breaking down big tasks, taking breaks and exercising regularly.
10. Vitamins
Vitamins should never be used as a substitute for food, but you could be deficient in certain nutrients and might want to consider taking them in addition to your food. According to MyVitamins, iron, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 are the best supplements to take for tiredness.
Conclusion
To put it simply, there’s no one quick fix to boosting your energy levels – it won’t happen overnight. But by building a routine with the above tips incorporated, you’ll see impressive results over time. So sleep well, stay hydrated, stick to your routine and your body will reward you.
Now you know how to conserve and utilise your energy, why not check out Novel student accommodation in Glasgow? Enquire today and secure your place.