With the HSC underway I thought I would give some practical ideas to help get through the exams.

It’s really important to have a good breakfast.

Try any of the following:

• scrambled eggs with tomato and avocado on wholemeal toast,
• a healthy cereal with fruit added like a banana and a sprinkle of almonds. Almonds get an A+ in the nut world!
• fruit smoothies with blueberries made with low fat milk. Blueberries are also an anti-stress food – good for the whole family!
• baked beans on toast – there is always a tin at the back of the cupboard
• poached egg on a wholemeal muffin
• cheese and tomato toastie on wholegrain.

If you are used to having a tea or coffee then enjoy your usual. Don’t think 2 coffees will be better – the extra caffeine can make you nervous and restless and upset your tummy. Avoid coffee before bed time. Do have water to keep you hydrated and avoid energy drinks. You will get a sugar spike and then a sugar crash – not worth it.

For lunch have a roll, wrap or sandwich with salad, lean meat or tuna. If you have an afternoon exam don’t eat a heavy pasta lunch as this can make you sleepy. Snack on a handful of nuts, fruit (2 pieces a day) and good quality muesli bars. For dinner try salmon with lots of vegies, chicken stir fry with cashews and brown rice or Margaret Fulton’s spiced pork with chickpeas – it’s really tasty and full of protein. Left-overs are an easy lunch for the following day so make enough to last.

What else – get some out door exercise every day, it will help you relax and you will sleep better.

Finally get a good night’s sleep. It really helps your brain to focus.

‘Keep a cool head on the day’ was always my Dad’s advice.

Good times, good friends, good health to you…and the luck of the Irish in all that you do.

Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse