Excellent Lifestyle Changes College Students Can Make for Better Well-Being
Updated: Oct 28, 2024
College is so full of lectures, homework, and parties that there’s barely any time to take care of yourself. But even making simple lifestyle adjustments can make you feel great. Whether it’s for less stress, increased energy, or simply feeling a bit better, here are eight habits that students can implement to help them be healthier physically and mentally.
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1. Sleep Well
Let’s be honest: staying up all night cramming for tests or finishing papers is pretty much mandatory in college. However, sleep deprivation will cause you to become fatigued, irritable, and unable to concentrate. If you have so much homework that good sleep isn’t an option, you can hire the best essay authors from TopEssayWriting (which are top-notch, according to Reddit users) to write some of your papers. This may help you get 7-10 hours of good sleep every night. To sleep better, turn down the lights an hour before bed, don’t drink caffeine late in the day, and avoid screens right before bed.
2. Drink Water
It’s easy enough, but many students don’t drink enough water. Hydration causes headaches, exhaustion, and loss of focus, all not great conditions when you are attempting to make it to the top of your class. Don’t forget to always have a reusable water bottle and drink from it throughout the day. If you don’t like plain water, mix in lemon slices, mint, or berries for a fresh flavor.
3. Eat Well-Balanced Meals
With the morning rush and a hectic schedule, students are prone to snacking on the go or not eating at all. But a proper diet can give you a lot of energy and motivation. Try to eat more whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
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If you want to eat better, these are a few things to consider:
Stock up on convenient, healthy snacks such as nuts, yogurt, or fruit.
Find quick meals that you can cook in a hurry.
Avoid sugary beverages and snacks that can lead to crashes in your energy.
Don’t skip meals even when you are busy.
Drink water in between meals to control portion sizes.
4. Get Moving
You don’t have to be a gym rat to benefit from exercise. Just a little more movement per day will make you less stressed, moody, and sleepy. You could take a stroll around campus, go for a run, or do yoga; pick whatever you love and make it a part of your schedule. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Life is tough, particularly when college pressures come. Having a mindfulness practice or meditation can help keep stress at bay. 5 to 10 minutes daily will go a long way. Take a moment in silence, sit comfortably, and focus on your breathing. If you are new to meditation, apps such as Calm or Headspace can guide you.
6. Get Off Your Phone
Let’s face it: from studying, social media, and streaming TV, we’re constantly gazing at screens. There’s no avoiding screen time, but overuse causes eyestrain, disrupts sleep, and leads to procrastination. Limit unnecessary screen time, and try taking short breaks every 20 minutes to glance away from your screen to rest your eyes.
7. Build a Strong Support Network
College life can be lonely sometimes, especially if you’re away from home. A supportive network of friends or family members can help keep you going through the ups and downs of college. Always try to reach out to your loved ones, whether it’s on regular calls, through study sessions, or over coffee. Don’t think you can’t get help when you need it. You can always phone a friend for support or find academic essay examples online to make your essay writing quicker. Either way, getting help is OK.
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8. Set Reasonable Goals
Achievable goals can help you stay focused. Academic, personal, or any other goals will seem more doable when they’re broken down into smaller steps. For instance, if you want to boost your grades, first work towards an extra 30 minutes of studying every day. Celebrate small successes in between to keep yourself on track.
Make Small Changes for Big Results!
Your health does not need to be something you change overnight. Take small steps towards adopting a few of these steps, and you will soon start to reap the rewards. It’s all about balance and treating yourself with care so you can have the best time in college.