It’s been a grueling semester, but at long last, summer is within reach. Between music festivals, formals, baseball games and pool parties, your April calendar has probably been packed, and finals season has been a far-off worry. Not anymore. Come May, those fun activities will be replaced by a flood of essays, exams, projects and presentations.
You’ve made it to the home stretch, and with the finish line just ahead, it’s time to pick your poison: a Starbucks dark roast with an extra shot of espresso, a cafe cubano from Vicky’s (make it a double), one of the Monster energy drinks stacked high at the market or maybe a leftover Red Bull in your sorority suite.
As tempting as these beverages are, think twice before you tackle finals with caffeine. Though coffee and energy drinks are among the most popular choices for students during finals week, many tend to forget that caffeine is still a drug, and it shouldn’t be normalized. Students should use healthier alternatives to better their physical and mental state during finals before the first sip.
When consumed in moderation, caffeine can have some positive effects. According to the Food and Drug Administration, caffeine has been categorized as a “Multiple Purpose Generally Recognized as Safe Food Substance” since 2003. Yet, students often disregard moderation when it comes to their 8 a.m. final exam.
One of the greatest issues with caffeine reliance is that it can lead to sleepless nights — a recipe for disaster. Staying up all night not only affects the ability to function the next day, but it also contributes to insomnia, creating a vicious cycle.
Caffeine can temporarily block adenosine, the chemical in your brain responsible for making you feel sleepy. It can disrupt your sleep cycle and circadian rhythm, leading to daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating during lectures or study sessions.
Although caffeine might give students that initial extra boost, it often ends up becoming their worst enemy. Overuse of stimulants can trap you in a cycle of dependence, anxiety and exhaustion, leaving you worse off than when you started.
So, what’s the alternative? What can possibly be better than 200 milligrams of caffeine?
Start studying earlier instead of cramming the night before an exam. Aim for eight hours of rest the night before, and create a productive schedule that includes study breaks. Spacing out your studying boosts long-term memory and helps fight procrastination. That way, you can still study for your calculus test and watch those episodes of Gossip Girl you’ve been wanting to finish. If you need an energy boost, spend your breaks at the Wellness Center and exercise.
What about naps? There are studies that prove a short nap around 20 minutes can increase energy and allow you to stay up longer.
If you are really craving something to sip on, there are healthier alternatives to coffee and energy drinks, like herbal tea. According to Healthline and Harvard Health, drinks like matcha tea, yaupon tea, chai tea, yerba mate and even lemon water are healthier alternatives to coffee. They have natural caffeine boosts, less acidity and more health-promoting antioxidant compounds. Even chicory coffee, a special type of decaf coffee, is a rich source of inulin. This soluble fiber may aid in digestion and support a healthy gut.
In short, get your act together — and no, don’t look for shortcuts. Remember, studying for finals isn’t supposed to be last-minute cramming and reliance on caffeine, so study the way academia intended.
At the end of the day, all the energy drinks in the world are not as rewarding as your own natural energy and work ethic. Take care of your body — no grade is worth compromising your health.