College is a demanding time for most students. As learners try to navigate the challenging transition, health and wellness issues tend to be ignored. Unlike high school, college comes with a high degree of independence and numerous obligations.
Most students find college so frustrating that they choose to drop out before their sophomore year. According to recent studies, 30% of first-year college students terminate their studies before getting to the second year on campus.
You may feel the need to supplement your income by getting a part-time job, likely making things even more challenging. To thrive on campus, you need to eat healthily and prioritize self-care. Here are some wellness tips to help you navigate life on campus.
Keep Your Living and Study Space Clean and Organized
Cleaning may seem like a mundane chore, but it has numerous benefits for your well-being. Studies have found links between cleaning and improved physical fitness, sleep quality, and reduced anxiety. According to a recent survey, close to 61% of people in the United States report feeling less stressed after spending time cleaning their spaces.
Remember, evidence shows that clutter is bad for well-being. This is because having a messy place makes you more anxious and stressed. Studies link clutter to heightened confusion. So, if you are constantly feeling overwhelmed or find it hard to focus on tasks, you should consider cleaning and organizing your space.
The apparent implication of clutter is that it makes it hard to find the material you need when studying. However, clutter also creates visual distraction, overworking our brains and diminishing productivity.
The bottom line is that cleaning your space often is suitable for your well-being. You will be able to void certain infections while staying focused on tasks. You also get bragging points if your space is always neat.
Work on Your Social Support System
One of the essential weight management tips for college students is the need for social support. According to research, surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family is good for your mental and physical health.
If your present group of friends does not help your self-esteem or support your weight loss goals, consider forming new relationships. Create time for your friends by asking a professional essay writer to help with some of your assignments.
Prioritize Sleep
The significance of quality sleep cannot be overstated. College students need at least seven hours of slumber to function optimally. Getting sufficient slumber ensures that your body functions optimally and allows you to focus during study time.
That said, most students get way less slumber than the commended quantity. Most students fail to get the recommended quality slumber. Some assume that they can catch up on lost sleep by staying in bed for longer during the weekends. However, experts indicate that this habit is neither healthy nor helpful.
Remember, the quality of your sleep affects your health in such areas as stress levels and blood pressure. Sleeping well boosts your immune system and ensures that you stay healthy on campus. It also reduces your likelihood of error.
If you find it hard to fall or stay asleep, consider engaging in more physical activity during the day. Also, avoid consuming caffeine when you are about to retire to bed. Most importantly, turn off screens before bed and don’t use your sleeping space to study or watch movies.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Evidence shows that alcohol can make you gain weight in four different ways. First, consuming too much alcohol reduces your body’s ability to burn fat. Also, alcohol is high in kilojoules. In essence, each gram of alcohol contains close to seven calories or 29 kilojoules.
In other words, drinking alcohol adds more calories to our diet than we realize, making our weight management attempts less effective. Also, drinking alcohol makes us feel hungrier and can lead to bad food choices due to impeded decision-making. The frequency of drinking is another factor.
Exercise Regularly
One of the essential habits to embrace for a healthy lifestyle in college is a workout. College students are often busy, and spending time exercising may seem counterproductive.
However, recent studies show that expending energy during exercise is suitable for your studies. According to research, exercise increases the number of brain cells in the hippocampus, which controls students’ ability to form, retain, and remember information
Regular exercise is also essential in weight management. Essentially, effective weight management involves expending a similar number of calories as those consumed.
Exercising regularly ensures that you avoid being overweight and obese. In the process, you also reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Staying healthy in college means eating healthy food, drinking lots of water, and exercising regularly. You also need to work on your social support system and prioritize self-care. Don’t be afraid to seek mental health support if you feel overwhelmed.