But there are ways to give your brain the edge when it comes to endurance, ensuring a sharp mind and excellent concentration for as long as needed.
Peter Jordan, principal officer at Fedhealth, explains that nutritionists emphasise the importance of healthy eating habits at such a stressful time.
“Eat the right food and drinks can energise your system, improve your alertness and sustain you through the long exam,” said Jordan.
It is important to make sure you eat even if you are feeling nervous or nauseous.
Your brain needs the energy of food to work efficiently and avoid fatigue.
However, it is important to ensure it is a light meal so you do not feel full.
Eating a big breakfast or lunch before an exam could cause you to feel drowsy and heavy, because your body’s energy is being channeled to the digestive process rather than on giving your brain the energy it needs.
It is important that you include brain-boosting food in your diet, such as protein rich foods which can help with greater mental alertness.
For breakfast, eggs, nuts, cottage cheese and yoghurt could form part of your meal.
Fish, walnuts, blueberries, sunflower seeds, dried fruits and prunes are also seen as brain food.
Also be sure to drink enough water before and during your exam, as dehydration can make you lose concentration and feel faint.
It is important to also get enough sleep, on the night before the exam and stop studying in the early evening.
To function at your best the next day, it is not only the energy that comes from healthy nutrition you need but also the energy that comes from adequate and restful sleep.
