HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCES IN BSU

students having fun.

 As we begin 2nd semester, it's important to know that your mental state, to a great extent, affects your academic performance in lecture room, and exams. Being a student of the prestigious Benue state university has opened my eyes to several things, Sometimes students attend lectures from 7 am to 7 pm without eating any food, even when they reach home around past 7 pm they still don't take enough rich foods, some takes garri, biscuits, bread and so on that don't necessarily add enough nutrients to their bodies, after this light snacks (foods), they go to class to read till late in the night and continue lectures the following morning continuously. Many of the students don't know the consequences of this, it affects your brain and your body even your academic performance. Below are some tips to help you improve your brain and remain mentally “fit” and active:

1. Eat Nutritious Foods

 Do you know that you are what you eat?

Never overlook the importance of breakfast; except, maybe, when you are fasting. A light breakfast rich in protein (e.g. tea, fish, beans, egg, okpa) and vitamins (e.g. cereals, oats) would do. Nutritionists have advised that a large percentage of our diet should consist of fibres and grains, which are found majorly in fruits and vegetables, corn, soyabeans, nuts, oats, etc. Benue state is home to a lot of fruits and vegetables (carrot, orange, pear, cashew, pineapple, pawpaw, egg-plant, ugu, bitter leaf, okro, banana, etc.); therefore make these a bulk of your daily diet. Also, eat more of plant protein and less fat and animal protein.

2. Exercise.

Do an activity/exercise that would make you, at least, sweat in the morning before going to lectures; such as press-ups, push ups, jogging, dancing, and any other aerobics/acrobatics, for at least 10-15 minutes after/before your morning devotions. My friends and I engaged ourselves in this last semester by jogging from the 2nd campus to Georges' quarter 3 times in a week and it helped us to be physically and mentally fits. These exercises help to “open up” your brain in order to assimilate what you will be taught later in the day, and enable you to stay active for the greater part of school period.

READ:Things you must avoid in university especially in BSU

3. Music

Do not take this as an excuse to always block your ears with earphones throughout the day; thus being distracted from what is being taught or happening. No! Anyone who is into music would understand that truly, music is life. Your preference might supersede, but soft, cool and inspirational songs like 2Face Idibia,Lucky Dube, Gospel songs are advised. Music helps your mind to relax, which is necessary for learning. If you can sing, do not fail to sing daily.

4. Ask Questions

When confused about something in class, ask.Though, the crowd (students) can be challenging to face them and ask questions but do not be afraid/shy/proud to ask questions to your lecturers or fellow students, and be willing to learn; because, “a traveller who asks questions do not lose his or her parts”.

READ ALSO: EVEN AS A FIRST CLASS GRADUATE, THE REASONS WHY YOU ARE NOT EMPLOYED.

5. Take a break and Rest.

Many students neglect the period for siesta, maybe because there is no time for it or because they just don’t want to. Don’t misunderstand this for sleeping during lectures! Take a 15-30 minutes break to close your eyes and rest your brain. There is a lot of noise and activity out there and if you don’t prepare your mind/brain to face them, your mental performance could drop.

Some researchers say that at least 7 hours should be given to sleep every night; but we find out that here in school, due to lots of activities –assignments, term-papers, projects, book reviews, night class/rehearsals/vigils – there’s hardly any such time for sleep. Nevertheless, try as much as you can to have a good amount of sleep each night for better morning performance. And, “the best sleeping position is lying on your back with face upwards”. I wish the Law and Economic students will adhere to this.

6. Do Activities that Boosts Mental Performance

Engage yourself in activities that boost your mental performance and memory skills, such as valuable discussions, debates/arguments, memorization, etc. Never be a “one-man” squad; there are people out there you can interact with and in the process, learn a lot of things that would help boost your academic performance.

Also, engage in meaningful leisure activities –such as visitation, games, swimming, reading, drawing, painting, writing, etc. (something creative). Read for at least 2 hours straight per day.

Finally, there are still a lot more you can do to promote your academic and mental health. Do not panic for long over yesterday’s mistakes/failures, and always pray for God’s grace to live the present and face the future.

NOTE: Nobody is ever perfect in keeping the law; these are not rules. Information contained in this write-up is just for general or educational or personal interest and knowledge; it should not in any way replace your convictions or academic/medical/psychological counsel.

Jeezitainment loves you and wants the best for you to improve your academic performance.

Tell us other things to do or how you improve your physical, mental and academic performance in the comments box below.