LIFESTYLE NEWS - As the second tertiary education semester begins, it is time for students to knuckle down and get serious. It is an exam semester.

The orientation and "side shows" of the first semester are past.

Until the age of 25 the brain is still developing, so it is a pity to interfere with this by abusing alcohol or substances. 

Losing IQ points is undesirable, especially if you are in an academic or professional field. The mood swings and emotional issues that go hand in hand with alcohol and drugs will also set you back.

If you feel you need help in avoiding alcohol or substances, there are several forums, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, available. Also, one of the pluses of education institutions is the free or reasonably priced counselling offered.

The season is changing. Often, it is at the start of the cold weather that people catch colds and flu. Eat more fruits and salads to up your vitamin C intake.

If you were active during the summer, do not simply stop doing sport now. Jog, gym or join an exercise class to maintain your fitness during the winter. Your immune system will be boosted, you will maintain healthy circulation and your endorphins will be boosted, helping you avoid the winter blues.

Having an optimistic outlook will help your absorption of information, your studying and your output of information during tests.

Also, maintaining body shape by keeping fit during the winter months will also lead to personal satisfaction.

Try to avoid winter comfort foods such as refined pastas, potato chips, pies and other pastries. Avoid fatty meats and processed meats. These low fibre foods cause sugar highs and lows and brain fog. Making sure you have adequate magnesium will prevent chocolate cravings.

Vegetable-rich stir fries made with minimum oil and lean meats are a healthy option for the winter. Cook a soup using barley, buckwheat, beans or split peas. Whole grains and pulses have a low glycaemic index, helping you to feel alert and satisfied for longer after meals. Do not add artery-clogging marrow bones and fatty cuts of meat. Keep the soup in the fridge and heat it as you need it or freeze portions of it.

Take healthy food with you to snack on during the day, such as raisins, pumpkin seeds and wholegrain sandwiches. This will prevent you wasting money on fattening, unhealthy low fibre junk food, which causes brain fog.

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