Most students in the Philippines feel very stressed during midterms. That’s not surprising. The pressure to finish reports, review lectures, and meet family expectations all at once can be a lot to handle. Sleep schedules get messed up. Meals are skipped. Phones keep buzzing. Even short breaks feel like a waste of time.
But staying healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
What you can do is build a few good habits that support your daily energy, focus, and mood. Let’s talk about some simple ways to take care of yourself while still hitting your study goals.
Map Out Study Blocks Like Mini-Sprints
A good approach is to study for about 25 to 30 minutes, then rest for five minutes. This keeps your brain active without wearing you out. After a few of these short sessions, you can take a longer break.
This method works well because it helps you stay focused without feeling drained. You’ll also find that it’s easier to go back and study again when you know a break is coming. Keeping a simple list of topics to cover during each session helps too. It gives you a clear goal and makes it easier to track your progress.
Prioritize Pinoy Staples Packed with Nutrients
When you’re short on time, it’s easy to grab instant noodles or chips. But traditional Filipino meals can offer great support for your energy needs.
For example, dishes like tinola, monggo, or grilled bangus with rice can be filling and nutrient-rich. Don’t forget fresh fruits like bananas, papaya, or mangoes. They’re quick to eat and a good source of natural sugars and fiber.
If you feel like your schedule makes it harder to eat full meals regularly, some students choose to include health friendly supplements from USANA Health Sciences as part of their routine. These products are made to support already healthy body systems and are best used along with a well-balanced diet—not as a replacement for real food.
Eating on time is just as important as what you eat. Try not to skip meals, even during long study hours. Set alarms if needed. Your brain can’t focus well without enough fuel.
Hydrate the Easy Way: Keep Water Within Reach
Most students don’t drink enough water, especially when they’re busy. It’s common to go hours without taking a sip, and by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already behind.
A simple way to fix this is to keep a water bottle on your desk or in your bag at all times. You’re more likely to take a sip when it’s within reach. If you don’t enjoy plain water, add a slice of lemon, cucumber, or a bit of calamansi for flavor.
Proper hydration supports your ability to concentrate and keeps your energy steady. It also helps you avoid that dry, sluggish feeling that tends to hit during long study sessions.
Move for Mental Clarity Between Review Sessions
Sitting for hours without moving can make your body feel stiff and your mind feel foggy. To help avoid this, stand up and stretch for a few minutes every hour. Walk around your room or do light movements like arm circles or neck rolls.
Movement doesn’t have to mean a full workout. Even short walks inside the house or pacing during a phone call can help reset your focus. Physical activity supports mental clarity and makes it easier to go back to studying with fresh energy.
Power Naps and Night-Time Sleep You Can Actually Stick To
When exam week starts, sleep is usually the first thing to go. But getting rest is not a waste of time—it helps your brain organize and store the things you’ve learned.
If you’re feeling tired during the day, a 15 to 20-minute nap can be enough to refresh your mind. Set an alarm to avoid oversleeping. At night, try to go to bed around the same time every day. Avoid scrolling on your phone right before sleeping. The blue light can trick your brain into staying awake.
Getting enough rest helps you feel more stable and calm the next day. You don’t need long hours—just consistent, quality sleep.
Build a Mini Self-Care Kit for Instant Calm
Midterms are intense, but you can prepare a small kit to help you stay grounded when things get overwhelming. Fill a small pouch or corner of your bag with things that make you feel calm. This could include a journal, a pen, lip balm, a calming scent like lavender or ylang-ylang oil, or even gum.
This kind of kit is easy to carry and use during short breaks. Writing down quick thoughts or to-do lists helps clear your head. Pleasant smells can help you feel more relaxed. The point isn’t to fix everything—just to give yourself a short moment of calm that makes it easier to keep going.
Short Digital Detox Breaks That Refresh Your Brain
It’s easy to say you’re studying, but one scroll on your phone often turns into 30 minutes on social media. To stay focused, create short breaks where you step away from all screens.
Try doing this once every hour. Set a timer. During that break, do something offline—stretch, drink water, or just sit quietly. You’ll notice that your mind feels clearer and your eyes feel less tired.
Turning off notifications during study time can also help. You don’t have to respond to every message right away. Your group chats will still be there after your review session ends.
Keep Your Study Space Fresh and Organized
Your study area can affect how well you focus. If your table is messy or noisy, it’s harder to concentrate. Keep your study space clean and free of clutter. Arrange your books, notebooks, and pens neatly so they’re easy to reach.
Natural light is also helpful. If possible, study near a window during the day. If not, use a good desk lamp. A small indoor plant or a simple decor piece can also make your space more inviting.
These little changes support a more focused and peaceful study environment, which makes midterm week more manageable.
Midterms don’t have to take over your life. Yes, they require focus and effort—but that doesn’t mean you should skip meals, miss sleep, or let stress take over. Taking care of your body and mind helps you study better and feel more in control.
Start with one or two habits that feel doable today. Maybe it’s drinking more water or taking a screen break. Add more as the days go by. The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to build small routines that support your well-being.
A healthy, balanced lifestyle is possible—even during exam week. You just need the right habits to guide you through it.
also read, Can Foreigners Buy Property For Golden Visa UAE – Here’s The Truth!