The Current | Vol. 31 Issue 30

Finals week is quickly approaching. Throughout this overwhelming semester of classes, no spring break and, of course, a pandemic, I find it easy to believe that all of us are looking for ways to finish off the semester strong. Many of us are unfortunately familiar with pulling all-nighters and procrastinating assignments until it reaches a point where we have no other choice but to rush to finish them, but we are going to steer away from those not-so-great habits during finals week. As much as we may feel that we are running out of gas in our tanks this semester, let’s find some snacks that will help boost brain power through those finals we are going to crush. Leafy green vegetables There are so many new ways to eat those healthy greens that you don’t even have to eat them out of a can like Popeye. Pop those greens in a blender or a juicer and you will have yourself a green juice that will surely get you through your finals with a strong mind. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards and broccoli are rich in brain-healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate and beta carotene. Research suggests these plant-based foods may help slow cognitive decline.” Coffee Who else is obsessed with watching creators make their own personalized coffee on Tik-Tok? Here’s the perfect time to find your favorite way of drinking coffee while also benefiting you during finals week. One cup will go a long way, but don’t forget to hydrate. April 14, 2021 | nsucurrent.nova.edu 7 Arts & Entertainment Snacks to improve brain power during finals week According to Harvard Health Publishing, “In a 2014 study published in The Journal of Nutrition, participants with higher caffeine consumption scored better on tests of mental function.” Dark chocolate Who doesn’t like a piece of dark chocolate here and there - or always? Dark chocolate has been proven to enhance your brain plasticity, which is important for learning. Splurge on a dark chocolate bar during finals week; this will also be a great dessert after you ace your exams. According to Medical News Today, “The researchers concluded that eating this type of dark chocolate may improve brain plasticity, which is crucial for learning and may also provide other brain-related benefits.” Avocados Although our generation seems to be obsessed with avocados, there are also several other benefits to consuming this popular fruit, and endless ways of preparing it. Avocados have unsaturated fats that have been proven to support the brain in positive ways. I would highly encourage whipping up some avocado pudding or guacamole as a quick snack right before your next exam. According to Medical News Today, “A source of healthful unsaturated fat, avocados may support the brain.” Introduction to Critical Thinking and Writing April 13 | 7 p.m. RSVP Interview Techniques April 15 | 1 p.m. RSVP Kendall-Jackson Virtual Cooking Class - Paella April 15 | 7 p.m. RSVP Online Virtual Business Networking & Speed Networking for New Business Dev. April 15 | 1 p.m. RSVP Black Feminist Night School @ Zora’s House April 15 | 9 p.m. RSVP Vegan For Beginners Online Workshop and Live Cooking April 17 | 5 p.m. RSVP Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg April 18 | 8 p.m. RSVP Historic Graffiti - Their Hidden Story - with James Wright April 19 | 1:30 p.m. RSVP Aliyah Gomez Contributing Writer There are so many trips and tricks to encourage brain power during finals and they are all just a click away. I would highly encourage researching and finding your favorite snack to benefit you now and for the future. Remember to take it easy on yourself and your brain. Good luck on your finals. It’s packing time: Easy and inexpensive ways to move It is that time of year again: time to go back home and move out of our dorms. Moving out can be incredibly exhausting, especially after finals. It can also be expensive. There are lots of inexpensive ways to pack away your things and to make moving out easier than ever. First step: Separate your things into three piles Divide all your things into three separate piles: keep, store for the fall and throw out. The keep pile is about separating things you will need or use at home during the summer. For example, clothes, personal items and shoes. The store for the fall pile could be for things that you will be using for the fall semester. Those items can be stored later at your home or at a storage facility. The throw out pile is obvious; anything that could be considered garbage or has not been used would go in that pile. Second step: Packing Pack all your things that you have separated into piles. The items you will need for an inexpensive move are boxes, tape, Ziploc space bags, bubble wrap and a vacuum cleaner. You can find inexpensive cardboard boxes at grocery or hardware stores. All you must do is ask the owner or manager if they have any spare cardboard boxes from stock. These boxes can be used every year you move back and forth from the university to your home. The bubble wrap is to create padding for the items you are placing in the boxes, but you could also use other things as padding, like newspapers or old t-shirts. When I am moving, I use Ziploc space bags to create more room in my suitcase or boxes. You store clothes, towels or bed sheets and vacuum the air from the bag to create more space. If you do not have a suitcase, you could use garbage bags to store your clothes. Third Step: Throw out Go around your room and clean it out. Any garbage or dirt can be thrown away in the garbage bags. Clearly separate all your things from your roommates so you do not accidentally throw something of theirs away. Return all your rental books to the university bookstore or sell the ones you purchased to friends or online. Fourth step: Storing and shipping Storing your boxes and bags into a car could be difficult. You could hire a UPS, FedEx or a U-Haul to take your things back home. If you do not want to spend your money on a delivery service, spend it on a storage unit. Store the items you will need for next semester either at a friend’s house or a storage facility. Ashley Diaz Contributing Writer With permission to print from Unsplash.com