College is meant to be a time of fun when students create memories and connections for the future. While you are in university to study, there is much more about this time of your young adult life than books and exams. As most students struggle with the pressures of being on campus, the significance of self-care and mental health tends to take a backseat. However, evidence shows that students who ignore their well-being sacrifice their academics and long-term health. Here are some important tips to help you thrive during this vital stage in your academic journey.
- Eat Healthy Meals
As a college student, you are only as healthy as your food. According to research, thousands of students struggle with obesity and overweight issues because of unhealthy meals and sedentary lifestyles. Eating unhealthy food also increases your risk of several physical and mental health challenges, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. On the other hand, consuming the right food helps with weight management and boosts your immune system, allowing you to fight infections and stay healthy.
Focusing on healthy meals proves challenging with much going on in a student’s life. There is also the assumption that eating healthy is costly and beyond the budgetary ability of most students. However, students must understand that they don’t have to spend much money to eat healthily. Having a food budget ensures that you spend within your means, while creativity ensures that you choose interesting and healthy options.
Experts recommend ensuring a balanced diet for every meal, meaning you must include fruits and vegetables on each plate. Also, consider making savings by buying nonperishables in bulk. An emergency fund can help you pay for urgent assignment help from reliable websites like MasterPapers.
- Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water is as essential as eating healthy meals. After all, the human body is approximately 66% water. Drinking water can help prevent dehydration, a condition linked with diminished clarity of thought and mood changes. Dehydration also causes the body to overheat and is linked to constipation and kidney stones. Since water does not contain calories, it can help manage body weight as it lowers the desire to consume extra calories. Furthermore, drinking water lubricates joints and protects the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues. Most importantly, drinking lots of water helps eliminate waste through perspiration, urination, and bowel movements.
You need to boost your health by consuming more water from foods and beverages. While there is no recommendation on how much your daily water intake should be, experts recommend consuming about eight glasses daily.
- Prioritize Sleep
College students struggle with hectic schedules as they attempt to attend classes, work on assignments, and prepare for exams. In trying to get everything done on time, sleep tends to suffer. A recent study found that at least half of college students habitually miss sleep regularly. The implications of continuous missing sleep can be severe, with recent studies linking sleep deprivation with various mental and physical health challenges. Those students who do not get enough sleep will likely struggle to remain focused during the day and face serious concentration lapses during lectures. In other words, failing to get the quality slumber you need can interfere with your health and academic performance.
College students need between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. Remember, the quality of your sleep is just as important as the number of hours you spend sleeping. So, if you struggle to fall or stay asleep, you should consider working on your sleep hygiene. Create and follow a sleep routine, which means performing certain activities in succession just before bedtime. This way, you prepare your brain for the sleep to follow. Also, keep your sleeping space clean and clutter-free. Don’t perform activities unrelated to sleeping on your bed.
- Exercise Regularly
We cannot complete an article on healthy habits without mentioning the significance of exercise. According to research, most college students struggle with weight problems because they live largely sedentary lifestyles. Lack of exercise also exposes you to mental health problems and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Students are, therefore, encouraged to exercise regularly. However, understand that regularity is more important than intensity regarding physical activity. In other words, create a daily routine that dedicates at least 20 minutes to exercise.
This article simplifies a few insights for self-care in college. Despite your hectic schedule and financial challenges, you need to consume healthy meals, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Don’t forget to schedule breaks and avoid stressful encounters whenever possible.