The life of a college student can get pretty hectic. Sometimes you are so busy juggling class, homework, work, social activities, etc. that health and self-care often fall to the bottom of the priority list. It’s much easier to do well in college if your physical and mental health is taken care of. Here are three tips for staying healthy in college:
#1 Time Management and Planning
Be careful and particular where and how you spend your time. Accept that you can only do two of the following things: get 8 hours of sleep at night, make a great GPA or spend all the time you want hanging out with your friends. Prioritize these things. Set aside time during the week to work on your papers and study for exams. Take that time very seriously and accomplish the goals you set. This way you’re free to use your weekends to hang out with your friends and do things that make you happy.
#2 Pay Attention to your Physical Health
Physical health means something to different people, but in general, it’s important to pull yourself out of the library to get some exercise and time away from your studies. Luckily, there are simple ways to get exercise like walking to class or taking a few minutes to go to the campus gym. Universities tend to make student health a priority and have facilities to help. One of the main health issues with college students is sleep deprivation. Manage your time in a way that allows you to go to bed at a reasonable time and still have finished your paper due the next morning (see tip number one). Try using a monthly planner to map out your daily schedule and keep you on track, there are tons of time management apps that could help as well. Also, try to develop a moderately healthy diet. It can be hard to eat well all the time, especially if you are always on the go. Aim to make the healthiest food choices you can but don’t stress yourself out.
#3 Self-Care, Self-Care, Self-Care
It’s impossible to place too much emphasis on the importance of practicing self-care. According to the American Psychological Association, 61 percent of college students seeking counseling report anxiety, 49 percent report depression and 45 percent report stress. Because anxiety, depression, and stress are so prevalent among college students, it’s essential to find time to focus on yourself and your mental health. Self-care could be anything from exercising to going out with friends to reading a non-school related book, whatever helps you clear your mind and recharge from the stress of college life.