Let's face it. College is hard and so is being active physically and mentally in the midst of it all. Every year when school starts back up, the number of cases concerning mental health rises. There's a lot of pressure when it comes to school and making big decisions for yourself so feeling stressed or out of place is OK! You're not abnormal for feeling the way you do and you are not alone. There are millions of people out there who are going through the same things you are. The good news is, there are people out there that can and want to help you.
Along with your mental health, you should also focus on your physical health as well. While you're in school, you tend to focus more on your grades and less on what you eat along with how much exercise you get. The latter- though it might not seem important right now, is crucial.
Luckily, there are some simple things you can do every day that will help you stay healthy through your college years.
Drink water
You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. However, sometimes we don't have time for all that so drink as much as you can. Drinking water is important because not only will it make you feel better- it has a lot of other helpful factors such as helping you maintain healthy blood pressure and it is good for your body's organs. Drinking water every day is a great start at feeling better physically!
Get enough sleep
Those late nights doing homework and studying for exams will catch up to you. Getting a good amount of sleep will not only boost your immune system but it also reduces stress. If you stay up too late studying or stressing over things, that lack of sleep will not only start to make you feel like crap but it could also start affecting your grades as well as your drive to go to school. Take an after class nap if you want to. Don't let a lack of sleep stop you from getting that degree!
Wake up early
This may seem like it contradicts the last tip, however waking up early is crucial to feeling better physically and mentally. Waking up at a decent time every morning allows you to get that little bit of extra stuff done that you may not have time for later in the day. This will make you more productive throughout the day as well and you won't stress about running errands later. Being able to focus better at school and other tasks is another benefit of being an early riser. If you start this habit you'll see positive results quickly.
Exercise
Surprise surprise, exercise is a key part of feeling better physically but, it will also improve your mental health! Even if it's just going on a short run every day or working out at home, anything helps. Keeping up with yourself physically will always be an important aspect of your life, but especially right now. College keeps students very busy what with classes every day and homework after. Any form of physical activity will help no matter what it is. You will also start to feel better about yourself!
Cook at home
This one could be difficult at times. It is so much easier to go to the nearest fast-food restaurant after class and grab some food than to go home, figure out what you want to make and then eventually make it. It is quicker to just grab something but making some food at home is a healthier alternative!
Clean up after yourself
Cleaning up after yourself is a good way to clear your mind and it is also a form of physical activity. Cleaning releases endorphins in your brain that promote good health and happiness. Every time I clean my room or do the dishes I feel accomplished. Also, cleaning gives you the incentive to do other things such as homework or studying! Having a clean space for you to work in means a productive space!
These few tips and tricks will help you so much throughout school. Though it may seem like a lot of work, it will be worth it in the end. Maintaining a healthy mental and physical state will make you feel better and it will improve your schooling!
