BY NICK BLIESNER
Special to the Lions’ Pride

I know I do not need to remind any student of this, but exam time is rapidly approaching yet again! Oh, exam time: not anyone’s favorite time of the year. However, it is a sign that the semester is almost at a close! We can finally get back to our families and enjoy the holidays and all the splendor that comes with them. But, I just have to get through those dreaded finals! But, how? For many years, students have invested numerous hours in to studying for written and oral examinations, or devoting effort to finishing research projects, papers, and/or presentations. Sometimes, it feels as if there is not enough time in the day to do all of this. Well, you’re right; there isn’t. So what’s the next step? Take time out of the night to study and finish those projects! Who needs sleep? I’m going to study and finish strong. Unfortunately, most of us do this. I don’t recommend sacrificing your sleep, but as this is an age-old college tradition, it’s bound to happen. But, instead of chugging gallons upon gallons of caffeine to stay awake and focused, there are better, healthier alternatives.

In my opinion, who needs the caffeine, when I’ve got an apple! Yes, that’s right, an apple. I’m sure most of us have heard the expression “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, so much is true with this statement, but apples, along with many other healthy food choices, can help you stay alert and focused while studying for your exams. One of these alternatives is apples. Apples and other fruits contain natural sugars that help raise your blood sugar to levels that can keep you vigilant and awake. Of course, caffeine does the same thing artificially, but as with any drug (Yes, caffeine is a drug!), there is always the crash afterwards that causes you to be even more sleepy than when you started! Of course, if you’ve already eaten a big meal, the fruit will do nothing more to help you. My point is, instead of going for that cup of coffee or that 2 liter of Mountain Dew, try eating apples, grapes, bananas, or any other fruit that contains high levels of potassium or enzymes for the digestive track.

There are many good reasons for eating apples and fruit instead. First, too much caffeine can give you toxic poisoning or cause heart attacks if taken in high doses. Also, caffeine and other artificial stimulants cause many people to get the jitters and give them too much energy that they can’t focus. Not to mention, the “alert” sensation that caffeine gives is only temporary as your body begins to break down anything that is not natural. The sugars found in apples will not only give you a natural stimulant, but will not give you the same side effects as caffeine does. Along with eating fruit and other natural sugars, pastas or other food rich in carbohydrates will give you natural energy to stay focused as well as keep you full longer, and not cause you to snack while you’re studying. So think twice before grabbing that Monster or making that 2 a.m. Starbucks run. Grab an apple instead and stay focused the smart and healthy way!