Going off to college means newfound independence. You are able to choose the major you want, the classes you want to take, even the people you want to live with (past first year dorms). This independence also extends to your health and advocating for yourself. Paying attention to when you aren’t feeling well and taking the time to help yourself feel better, whether that is by taking a few days to rest or seeing a doctor for help, are decisions that are in your hands now. Creating a routine for yourself to foster a healthy environment is a great way to ensure your overall health. Here are a few things to keep an eye on to help maintain a healthy lifestyle while in college.
Find Ways to Stay Active
Staying inside hunched over your computer or books all week can lead to a largely sedentary lifestyle. It saps energy, reduces concentration and increases depression. Finding time to exercise is something every college student should incorporate into their lives. Whether it’s walking to class instead of taking the bus, joining some friends for a hike on the weekends, or even getting involved in an intramural sport, adding a layer of exercise to your regular schedule can benefit your overall health.
Create a Healthy Diet
The diet of many college students is not exactly a shining example of how to eat well. Foregoing breakfast for that third cup of coffee or even satisfying your fast food cravings at midnight are eating habits that can have a big impact on your overall health. Regardless of whether you are in a dorm or an apartment off-campus, having healthy foods in your refrigerator for easy access could help create healthier eating habits. Eating a nutritious breakfast made up of more than just coffee can give you a great start to your day. Be sure to include energy-rich foods that can help fuel your body until that afternoon break in between classes as opposed to high carb or sugary foods that give only a fleeting boost.
Keep an Eye on Your Eyes
With the increased screen time most college students faced during the pandemic and onward, it’s important to make sure your eyes are gradually adjusting to the increased usage. If you currently wear prescription glasses, make sure you are staying up to date with your annual checkups. Common signs it might be time for a new pair of glasses are more frequent headaches, squinting at screens, or if your current lenses have cosmetic damages. If you fall into any of these categories, consider making a simple upgrade and buy eyeglasses online. Your proper prescription will allow you to perform to the best of your academic ability, and also, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to update your style in the process. As a student, cramming for your final exam is almost inevitable, so do yourself a favor and give your eyes a break.
Check on Your Mental Health
Managing your mental health as a college student is easier said than done. With the rise of virtual learning on college campuses, the pressure of grades and impact of social media, the number of students that struggle with their mental health is increasing rapidly. Knowing when you are struggling and taking action to seek help are two very different things. Asking others if they are experiencing the same struggles, reaching out to loved ones for support, or seeking out counseling options can all be beneficial to your mental health journey. Virtual telehealth options have made it easier than ever to take advantage of counseling services right from your phone. Advocating for your mental health is something you will manage for a lifetime.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care and your mental health go hand in hand. Making sure you make time for activities that help you decompress from the stresses of college life can make a huge difference in how you cope with all of your responsibilities. Reducing screen time when you are not doing classwork, enrolling in a yoga or meditation class, or even journaling could all help you relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Beginning a self-care routine that works for you and your schedule can help create a positive environment for you to thrive in and out of the classroom.
Have a Good Sleep Schedule
Throughout your time in college, there will be days you want to pull an “all-nighter” to cram for a test or finish an assignment. If those nights are few and far between, that can be easy to cope with, but when you find yourself constantly staying up all night, you’ll find your sleep schedule thrown out the window. Getting enough sleep will help ensure you are staying mentally and physically healthy.
Lack of sleep can lead to a multitude of issues, both short and long-term. Bad memory, poor attention span, and slowed thinking are just a few effects that can happen with short-term sleep struggles. If these sleep struggles continue on, you can find yourself afflicted with things like high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and weight gain. Creating a strict sleep schedule for yourself can help combat these issues. If you find that your lack of sleep is not for lack of trying, consulting a doctor can help you get to the root of your sleep problems and get you back on the road to a healthy night’s sleep.
Taking care of your health is something you will be doing the rest of your life. Your time in college will require some trial and error when it comes to finding routines and habits that work well. But the benefits for you, your health, and your lifestyle are enormous. And often you can start to feel these changes quickly.
