Whether you’re a freshman or a senior in college, putting your health first while still trying to graduate AND have a social life isn’t easy — but it’s so important. In order to have a successful college experience, you need to make sure you’re emotionally and physically stable. Your health needs to be a priority! Here are 9 wellness tips that are perfect for college students:
Walk Whenever You Can
This should be a relatively easy one to do. You might feel inclined to bring your car with you, but depending on the campus, you most likely won’t need it. Driving to classes can be time-consuming and parking is usually pretty expensive. Walking is honestly the best option. Which is great because it forces you to exercise and move without you necessarily feeling like you’re working out!
Don’t Do Homework In Bed
Your bed is for sleeping. Not for doing homework or studying. If you treat your bed like a desk, it’s going to be difficult for you to fall asleep at night. Make sure you have a designated area for your schoolwork. That area doesn’t even need to be in your room or apartment. It can be at the library or in a study room around campus. As long as it’s not in your bed, you’ll be fine!
Take Advantage Of The Gym
The best part about paying all that college tuition is that you’re paying to use all the amenities around campus. That includes the gym and all the exercise classes that are provided there. Most campus gyms are pretty impressive. Besides using the facilities, you can take yoga classes, weigh-lifting classes, etc. Not having to pay additional fees to use the gym is rare and once you graduate, you’re going to miss that. So, take advantage of it while you can!
Wash Your Hands
College campuses are filled with people and if one person gets sick, just about everyone gets sick. Try to avoid the common cold or flu that typically spreads around campuses by washing your hands and consuming Vitamin C whenever you can. You might not think washing your hands really does anything, but it does. Imagine how many times during the day you touch your mouth and eyes? You don’t want to be touching your face with dirty hands!
Learn Portion Control
So many college students experience weight gain in college. Why? Typically because this is the first time they’re away from their parents, and able to eat whatever they want, whenever they want. Which leads to over-eating. It’s incredibly important that you pay attention to how much cafeteria food you’re piling onto your plate. Since most spots around campus are buffet style, you want to make sure you don’t overdo it.
Don’t Forget About Vitamins
Even though you should do your best to get the necessary minerals from food, it’s not always easy. Sometimes, you might need to take the “simple” route and use supplements or vitamins to stay healthy and stress-free. There are several organic and vegan vitamins that can be used for college students who struggle with low energy levels and anxiety. Vitamin D can keep you awake, multi-vitamins are packed with nutritious must-haves, and Vitamin B is great for emotional balance. There are so many options out there that’ll help you feel great without side effects.
Drink Water
Don’t forget about water either! Staying hydrated isn’t just good for your skin and keeping your energy levels up, it also increases your brain power. Yup! Your brain is mostly water, so the more you drink the more you’ll nourish your brain and help yourself stay concentrated and focused.
Don’t Forget To Eat
It’s easy to get so focused on school and friends that you forget to make time for eating well-rounded meals. Not just coffee and pastries, actual meals! It’s important to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food is fuel. If you’re not eating food, there’s no way you’re going to have enough energy to do everything. Going to classes, spending time with friends, and doing homework takes energy!
Check In With Yourself
College isn’t just about learning new material, it’s also about learning who you are. College is going to teach you a lot about who you are and what you want to be. It’s not about your friends, teachers, or the other students around you. It’s about you! Which is why it’s so important for you to check in with yourself to see how you’re doing. If you’re constantly stressed, consider reducing your workload or seeking help with certain assignments. You could even change your major, if necessary.
It’s great to be challenged, but there’s a difference between being challenged and constantly feeling stressed out.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed! Depression is very common in college students because of all the pressure they feel to get everything done. If you’re experiencing signs of depression (fatigue, irritability, a feeling of hopelessness, digestive problems, etc.) tell someone!