The Top 10 Wellness Tips for College Students

Most students consider going to college as the particular point in their lives where they are given greater freedom to make their own decisions and to pursue their dreams. With this freedom also comes greater responsibilities and challenges. Every day brings new challenges: school requirements, budgeting issues, and just everything related to living independently. During this phase, college students also find it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, exercise, and other good practices. Many college students who live unhealthy lives eventually end up carrying their unhealthy habits towards their adulthood.

Fortunately, balancing school and health is not difficult if you have the discipline and willpower to do so. Consider these top 10 wellness tips for college students and see amazing results in no time.

1. Get enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation or getting less than 7 hours of a night’s rest will not only make you feel less energized but will also impair your ability to concentrate during the day. A good way to start a good sleeping habit is to finish all schoolwork as well as your dinner at least two hours before bedtime. Read a few pages of your lessons in advance during these two hours, refrain from using your gadgets, and make your room as sleep-conducive as possible.

2. Avoid all-nighters.

How much you have studied during the night will matter less if you didn’t get enough sleep. The best way to retain information for an exam is to manage your time well and practice effective study habits such as rewriting your notes for memory retention and starting to review early.

3. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking.

Many college students turn to smoking and drinking as a way of relieving stress. What they do not know is that these quick stress solutions can cause the premature development of chronic diseases affecting the lungs, liver, and the heart.

4. Exercise more.

The best way to reduce stress is by diverting your attention and energy to sports and other fitness activities. If you don’t have the time and resources to do so, you may start with walking short distances instead of riding a car or with using the stairs over the elevator.

5. Rest if you are sick.

Do not risk going to school if you are sick as it may just aggravate your condition. Consult your school doctor immediately, take medications, and rest until you’re back to your 100%.

6. Reduce caffeine and soda intake.

Excessive caffeine and sugars in your body can throw off your body’s ability to use your energy efficiently and to function normally. Some complications may include obesity, high blood sugar, palpitations, anxiousness, sleeplessness and inability to concentrate.

7. Eat a balanced diet.

A little bit of everything is what a healthy diet means. Combine energy-rich food with fiber-rich ones. Add some protein (from nuts and lean meat), some healthy fats and oils, and lots of nutritious fruits and vegetables to your meal as well.

8. Don’t hesitate to go to a doctor.

Never deal with health problems by yourself. Whether it is a physical or a mental issue, always make sure to seek professional help as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse.

9. Update your vaccines.

Even college students need to get their vaccinations updated too. Get it touch with your college health department or the nearest clinic to get your shots against flu, sexually transmitted diseases, and other illnesses.

10. Undergo STD screening if you are sexually active.

Safeguard your reproductive health by getting an STD test at least once a year. Some medical institutions can get you tested in as quick as 5 minutes and prepare the results on the same day. Learn more here about FDA accredited STD testing centers near you.