With all the activities that occur at college, including studying, classes, meetings, homework, and keeping up with their social lives, college students can find it hard to maintain their health. Their schedules are filled with so many academic activities that it can be hard for students to observe their diets, exercise regimens, and sleep patterns. Some students may take issues regarding health for granted, but developing healthy habits will help boost your mood and energy levels.
So, if you are a college student, here are some basic tips to help you stay healthy.
Eat well
Eating well is the first step in staying healthy, especially in college. A healthy diet can help you boost your immune system, which improves your overall health. Start with a heavy breakfast. Although the typical day of a student can be busy, there is only enough time to grab a banana or sandwich from the dining hall. Those who crave heavy meals can make time for healthy alternatives, such as vegetable toppings and pizza with whole wheat crust. Alternatively, you could go for snacks: fruit, pita bread, nuts, and string cheese are great ways to keep your appetite in check and survive stressful college life.
Get enough sleep
In college, it is common for students to get tempted to pull an all-night study session or stay awake until the wee hours having fun with friends. But make sure this doesn’t develop into a habit. A good amount of sleep is essential for your well being — both physical and mental. Meanwhile, a lack of sleep will only lead to fatigue, headaches, reduced brain function, and unwanted weight loss or gain. Try to stick to a regular sleeping pattern of at least eight hours, and avoid drinking or eating right before bedtime.
Exercise regularly
Most school-related activities require us to sit, from lecture halls to the library to even the cafeteria. With such a sedentary trend, most students do not engage in any form of exercise, a lack which is risky to their health. Being active will help you stay healthy and concentrate on your studies. Establish a convenient exercise schedule where you can visit the gym and work out. You can split your workout session into shorter and more standard exertion. Most colleges offer physical fitness classes and other sports programs that may get you in shape. Take advantage of these fun activities and be healthy.
Avoid beverages that are high in caffeine and sugar
It is common to have some refreshing beverages near you to keep you energized and quench your thirst. But as much as caffeinated beverages like soda can be beneficial when staying focused on late-night studies, they are harmful in the long run. When you combine caffeine with the sugar in these drinks, the outcome can be bad for your health. Similarly, alcoholic drinks contain a lot of calories that can have serious physical effects on your body. If you need to boost your energy, try eating foods that are high in protein and fiber.
Wash your hands regularly
While in school, it is normal to come into close contact with others through classes, walking around campus, and especially your roommate situation. With this reality, it is very easy to catch viruses and diseases, such as a cold. But a simple hand washing can help a lot in preventing you from catching a lot of illnesses. Make sure you wash your hands before taking meals, after visiting the toilet, and any time you come into contact with other people who are sick. Such basics are well known by many students, but in real life, many young people ignore them.
So whether you are soon heading off to college or are already a student, it is important to stay healthy. These tips will help you get started and guide you to keep fit while on campus. Remember, staying healthy will increase your concentration and overall academic performance.
Bria Pierce is a freelance blogger and former student from Victoria University. She manages all obstacles of academic life — from sleepless nights with a book in hand to combining study and work. Now Bria works as writer at academic and business writing agency 123writings.com. Based on her scholarly experience, Bria provides advice for college and university students on how to stay healthy and manage stress. You can find Bria on Facebook and Twitter for other interesting stuff.