Struggling to stay focused? Try snacking on one of these tasty treats to help keep up your concentration levels.
When you’re deep in the depths of revision, it can be easy to let time run away with you – and to forget to feed yourself!
Once you do find the time to grab a bite to eat, try including a few of these natural brain boosters to help you focus on the task at hand.
1. Pumpkin seeds
Perfect for snacking, the pumpkin seed is packed with hidden health benefits. From enhancing focus and memory, to reducing anxiety, having a bowl-full next to you while studying will certainly do no harm. They’re also said to have a calming effect on the brain, which is just what you need if the pressure is getting to you.
2. Avocado
Whether it’s smashed on toast or sprinkled with chilli flakes, avocado is one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. Rich in vitamins B, C and K and packed with monosaturated fats (those are the good ones!), avocados boost both memory and concentration; exactly what you need when you’re struggling mid-revision session.
3. Salmon
Packed full of Omega 3, salmon is one of the best brain foods out there. If you’re sat in despair, feeling like nothing’s going in, take a break from revision and prep yourself some salmon (with some greens on the side, for that extra brain boost!). You might be surprised by how revitalised you feel afterwards.
4. Walnuts
Nuts are an incredibly convenient snack and walnuts are certainly the best of the bunch. Containing more antioxidants than any other nut, walnuts can help overcome insomnia – goodbye, sleepless nights! Like salmon, they’re also packed with Omega 3 and 6, providing that boost to your brain you’ve been looking for.
5. Blueberries
Don’t be fooled by their size – blueberries are brain food powerhouses! Rich in antioxidants, these delicious berries have the ability to stabilise brain function, and studies show how they improve memory and learning, while reducing symptoms of depression. Impressive stuff from such a tiny fruit!
6. Eggs
If you’re setting yourself up for a day-long library session, what better to have for breakfast than a plate of eggs? They’re a fantastic source of vitamins B6 and B12, and contain choline, which creates neurotransmitters that regulate mood and memory. Boiled, fried, poached or scrambled, you can rely on an egg to prepare you for the day ahead!
7. Celery
Full of vitamins and minerals, celery is great for keeping your mind sharp and focused. It’s also a great stress reliever and contains luteolin which is great for brain health. With carrots and peppers also a source of this natural compound, why not slice up some veggies, grab a pot of hummous and get dipping?
8. Chocolate – yes really!
Dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants, and has a surprising amount of health benefits, including improvement of blood flow to the brain. It also contains stimulant substances like caffeine, so it’s ideal for boosting brain function in the short-term. Remember: the higher the percentage of cocoa, the better, so look for anything above 70 per cent!
If you’re in need of some moral support during exam period – or at any other point during your studies – remember, we are here for you. Visit our dedicated support page to learn more about the help and guidance we can offer.
