To excel at uni (or elsewhere in life really), it pays to stay on top of your health, both your physical and mental well-being. You want to feel your best to be successful both in and outside of the classroom. After all, college is not just about lecturers, assignments, and exams.
University is where you find yourself and what makes you tick so you can grow personally. But let’s be real; college life isn’t easy. How do you keep everything together when you’re trying to get a handle on your classes, friendships, and being a new adult at the same?
Think of your well-being like a three-legged stool. If one leg isn’t right, the whole stool you can rest assured will wobble. Your physical health, mental shape, and emotional well-being are tied together. In this article, I will talk about tips and simple ways to stay in shape and healthy during your campus life.
Get plenty of sleep around your busy campus schedule
We know you want to trans-night to get your assignments and projects done, but that would do more harm than good. Your brain does a lot more than you think when you’re asleep. It heals physically, sets your long-term memory, and processes your emotions). In every respect, your body is doing some repairs and maintenance during sleep.
You need plenty of sleep (7 to 9 hours, to be precise) to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape. Not just that – you need to put away that smartphone (we know this is going to sting) for an hour or so before to retire to bed. Your dorm room should be clean, cool, and comfy so you can get enough ZZZs uninterrupted.
Join a sports, group, or activity that will ensure you get enough exercise
Joining a sports team isn’t just about getting fit. It can help you build friendships, put your teamwork spirit to work, and create a support network that might last a lifetime. Exercise works wonders for your well-being; it encourages your body to produce more endorphins, the feel-good hormones that quell stress and boost your mood. Let’s not forget it helps with depression and anxiety.
If you cannot commit to a team, there are other ways to stay active. You can enroll in a campus fitness class or gym. You can even dance in your room (yes, seriously!) or take study breaks with quick workout videos. Whatever gets you going without sacrificing your busy schedule, then good and dandy.
Budget for a balanced diet
Your diet is what brings everything together. It can affect your energy gauge, concentration, mood, and of course, your health. Good eating fuels your brain, body, and soul. The big, however, is should you cook in your dorm or go for campus meal plans?
Eating well doesn’t mean boring or expensive food. If you want to put together a healthy diet on the cheap, learn a few simple, nutritious recipes. It also pays to tuck some healthy snacks away in your backpack. Of course, drink plenty of water and don’t skip breakfast.
Put together a steady routine and stick to it
Some students live for chaos, but a structure can create mental peace and boost your productivity. Your routine should not just count classwork; it should fit in your entire campus life. If you have a smartphone, download and use a digital calendar or planner app.
Don’t overstretch yourself. Set realistic and achievable goals that you can chunk down into easy to digest daily mini-goals. It pays to be flexible but create dedicated study times and slots for relaxation and taking care of yourself.
Reward yourself for a job well done
Life on campus is no easy walk in the park, and it pays to pat yourself on the back from time to time. After all, you are hardwired to expect a reward when you do something positive. Rewards get your feel-good hormones revving, an incentive that builds your confidence and promotes good mental & physical health. That’s why almost every consumer-facing industry offers some sort of bonus or reward system. Airlines and hotels, for instance, promise miles for every booking you make with them, while gaming and forex platforms offer no-deposit bonuses as a way of appreciating new customers for signing up.
Rewarding yourself is a no-brainer habit you should start as a fresher. However small, it should be something that makes you feel good and proud of your job well done. It could be taking some time to catch up on your favorite TV series, getting your hair done, or even buying yourself a pack of sweets.
Take time for self-care, fun, and breaks
Let’s get something straight here comrades: taking time for self-care isn’t selfish. It doesn’t just mean putting on face masks or going for a massage. Self-care is about doing what helps maintain your emotional, social, and mental well-being. Think setting boundaries, meditation, or connecting to people that matter to you.
Declutter and clean up your space (especially your dorm room)
This one is a no-brainer. A clean space will create a clear and clutter-free mind. The other way around is also true – a cluttered room often means a cluttered mind. Take just ten minutes every day to put your place in order and keep only what you need. Most importantly, create a peaceful study area with some personal touches and maybe a plant or two.
Practice gratitude, mindfulness, and sense of togetherness
Practicing gratitude shifts your perspective. It’s like training your brain to notice the good stuff. Gratitude practices can be keeping a gratitude journal, sharing appreciation with friends, and remembering the good times. If you’re into yoga, that will do you the most good, especially with mindful breathing.
It’s okay to ask for help
The strongest move you can make is recognizing when you need support. College counseling services, peer support groups, and trusted friends are there for you.
