Though an exciting time for many , college may also bring challenges that include social pressures to conform or experiment with alcohol and drugs, difficulties getting work-life balance, impostor syndrome, and absence of sleep.
College students can also feel disconnected from their networks of support back home as they meet different people, cultures, and personal experiences.
All of these changes place students in college at risk being diagnosed with a mental health disorder, such as depression and anxiety. The stress from school may even cause existing mental health issues.
7 Tips to Stay Healthful in College
Although the transition from high school to college isn’t easy however, the majority of students will eventually adapt to their surroundings. As a mental health on campus specialist, I’ve put together seven tips to help you navigate smoothly to college and keep your balance and wellness throughout your time as a student.
1. Make sure you get enough rest
It’s common to feel that there’s not enough time in the day for students at college to complete everything they wish to do, be it attending class, working and socializing, working at sports, working, or taking part in extracurriculars. In this world of constant movement, sleep is often at the top of list to go.
In the college setting, it’s nearly an act of honor to be able to sleep all night.Read about college paper writer At website In the end, though it doesn’t matter what cool it could be or how many hours you can spend studying when you’re awake — getting enough rest is vital to your well-being and health in addition to the grades you earn.
The best way to enhance the quality of your rest is to follow better sleep hygiene. Here are some suggestions to help you achieve a greater quality sleep.
- Sleep and get up at the same times every day
- Don’t drink caffeine too late at night
- Do not nap during the day.
- Your bed should only be used to sleep
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercise can aid in improving your sleep and increase your general fitness. The attitudes of students towards exercise vary. Some exercise to alleviate stress and are able to fit it in even when stressed, while some let it be among the things they first try they fall off the list when they begin to feel overwhelmed.
If you’re in this group, ensure that you’re exercising as a method to manage stress and you’re not exercising at a point where you’re hurting yourself or losing too much weight.
If you fall into the latter group I’d recommend finding ways to incorporate exercise into your everyday routine, even if it’s just a brisk walk around campus.
3. Eat a balanced diet
It can be difficult to eat healthy while in college. be a challenge if you’re using food halls instead of homemade meals, or if your budget limits your food choices. In the Center for Young Women’s Health and Nutritious Life can provide helpful guides for evaluating your food choices.
The first step to healthy eating is to be aware that with unorthodox study hours or class schedules, it is possible to get hungry at seemingly random time. Make an effort to carry healthy snacks with you like carrots, bananas or nuts, dried fruit, and the kale chips.
College can be a particularly painful time for people who suffer from the disorder of eating. The reason is that restricting what you consume, binge eating and purging can be tied to self-esteem and control. When you’re stressed with your studies, you might begin to feel overwhelmed and bad about yourself.
If you notice you’ve been engaging in unhealthy patterns of behavior, old or new, set up an appointment with a nutritionist, mental health provider, or primary care doctor in your student health clinic right away.
4. Take time to take care of yourself
It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself when you are in college. No matter how busy you are it is important to know how that you can schedule time to engage in something you like or that will relax you. Some may enjoy getting massages, seeing movies, or engaging in a hobby. Others might prefer yoga or trying mindfulness.
Students can greatly benefit of focusing on the here and now, especially in times of stress or anxiety. Consider using a meditation app to help you improve your mindfulness.
5. Be aware of the dangers associated with substance Inappropriate use
College students often feel pressure to experiment with drugs and alcohol. This is particularly the case with the culture of binge drinking that is prevalent on campuses, the society’s shift in attitudes toward marijuana as well as the increasing popularity of vaping.
It’s crucial that students be aware of the health risks associated with the use of drugs. The bottom line is that you should be making informed, instead of an impulsive, socially based, decision.
For example, while students may think that marijuana is harmless yet the drug poses many risks, particularly regarding mental health. You should be vigilant about your habits, for example, how often you use drugs or drink alcohol.
It’s not a bad idea to have a social gathering outside of the house and look for alternatives to hanging with friends that do not contain alcohol and/or drugs.
6. The importance of Sexual Health and Safety
Sexual health is a crucial aspect of overall wellness. Students should engage in safer sexual activities and learn about the various ways of birth control and protection. They should also know how to obtain STD screenings at their college health center.
Students must also be aware how to handle consent and safety when they are in relationships with one another. Unfortunately, sexual assault remains a common problem on campuses of colleges.
Some schools provide bystander awareness programs, which show students how they can take action whenever they observe a brutal attack or crime. Such programs can also teach students about reporting mechanisms on campus and mental health treatment options for those who have suffered trauma.
7. Becoming Health Literate
One of college students’ most difficult challenges is learning how to take control of their health. In other words, it is important to be comfortable with the following:
- Making doctor appointments online over the phone, in person
- Talking about health issues and treatment options
- Utilizing the health vocabulary of the basics
- Asking doctors questions
- Refilling and taking medications
Ideally, students would talk concerning health and wellness with their families or teachers prior to when they go to college particularly if they’re taking medication or have chronic health issue. Even students who don’t have health issues can benefit from this dialogue.
Know the importance of mental health and how to Get Help
Mental health problems can be debilitating . They can cause students to be faced with issues with academics and social. Here are some advice that can assist yourself and your peers.
Know the Symptoms and Signs of mental Health Mental Health Conditions
A sign of a mental health problem include changes in sleeping and eating patterns and changes in behavior, like engaging in risky actions or refusing to be social. It is also possible to notice changes in your mood or speechpatterns, such as talking very quickly or having difficulty telling a coherent story.
Any time you feel that there is a change in the way you are feeling, it’s a good plan to monitor the mood of yours using a calendar or an app. If your mood is always changing or it’s affecting your everyday life, make an appointment to talk with a professional in mental health.
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