With midterms right around the corner, your long nights in Fondren may begin to take a toll. For all the hours you spend studying,, it is essential to maintain your energy. Have you ever caught yourself reading the same page over and over again, only to realize that you have no idea what it’s even about? Sure, it happens to everyone. This problem can be avoided with an ample amount of energy to help keep you alert and focused on the text.

People ask, “What’s the technical definition of energy?” Well, according to the laws of physics, energy is “the capacity to do work.” Hmm, as you may have experienced in your years at college, it’s definitely going to take a lot of energy to get through that detailed study guide. So what’s the secret to boosting your energy? Well, there is not just one. Here are some advice we have found helpful.

Avoid routine trips to the vending machinesAlthough those snacks, both sweet and salty, may be tempting and appear loaded with energy, they are actually just the opposite. Most vending machine snacks are processed for an extended shelf life. Translation: added sugar, reduced nutrients and lots of ingredients we cannot even attempt to pronounce (or spell). This often means they are not be beneficial to your diet. At the onset, sugar may seem to be the perfect pick-me-up, but for energy after that first hour, you are going to need a snack with a little more substance.

To avoid sugar’s crash-and-burn effect, pack a snack before heading out the door. The best energy snacks are loaded with protein and fiber.

Some top choices include apples and string cheese, peanut butter and bananas and homemade trail mix (combine cranberries, almonds and dark chocolate chips for a power-packed mix).

There’s nothing like waterCarry a water bottle with you at all times. Water is sure to restore your energy with restorative oxygen, or grab a bottle with added electrolytes, like SmartWater. Drink at least 64 ounces a day to keep your energy level up.

Soak up that Texas sunWhen absorbed into the body, vitamin D emitted by the sun’s rays increases calcium levels, which in turn keep your nervous system in tact. Use the sun to reduce stress and anxiety. Distract yourself from your studies with a 20-minute walk. The rhythmic pattern of your steps will calm your nerves too.

Don’t sweat the small stuff“Stress is the result of anxiety, and anxiety uses up a whole lot of our energy,” Baard, a sports psychologist at Fordham University, told WedMD. Although the large stack of books in front of you may look discouraging, always remember to keep your cool!