Transitioning to college can be daunting, and student health plays a pivotal role in academic success. Here are some tips to ensure your child remains healthy throughout the year:
Encourage them to utilize the health services provided at school should they become ill, such as treating ear infections, colds or allergies as well as dehydration from vomiting. The health center can treat everything from ear infections and colds to dehydration from vomiting as well as much more.
1. Get a good night’s sleep
Sleep is essential to learning and success for high school and college students, and research shows it.
Under pressure to perform academic studies, work, relationships and socializing alongside getting enough sleep, it can be hard for many young adults to get sufficient slumber. Therefore, it’s essential that students realize the significance of quality sleep for healthful development as well as strategies for improving their own sleep hygiene.
To achieve an ideal night of restful sleeping, it is crucial that adolescents adhere to a regular sleep schedule and avoid stimulating activities prior to sleep such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine use. Furthermore, keeping their bedroom environment cool, dark and quiet helps – as does creating a relaxing bedtime ritual like reading a book or taking a warm bath before turning in for the night. For optimal health reasons adolescents should aim for eight hours or more sleep each night.
2. Eat healthy
College can be an unnerving time, as students attempt to balance school responsibilities with work, family life or any number of outside commitments. It is vital that they prioritize health by eating right and engaging in physical activity regularly.
Eating healthily can help students stay focused in class and retain information better, and also prevent illness, cutting down the number of days they miss due to sickness.
Students seeking to maintain a balanced diet should consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and proteins while limiting sugary snacks. Leafy greens and dark fruits contain plenty of iron for improved brain functioning while foods rich in Vitamin E could reduce cognitive decline as people age.
Students should remain up-to-date with their immunizations, especially the flu shot, which has the power to save lives. Furthermore, it’s imperative that they practice regular hand washing; particularly after touching surfaces that harbour germs or before touching their faces. Finally, they should avoid close contact with sick individuals until their fever has subsided for 24 hours without medication being necessary.
3. Exercise
Stressful college life can cause high levels of anxiety among students. Exercise can help relieve this anxiety, improve mental health and lift mood. it also improves brainpower and focus. Studies have proven that good night’s rest, nutritious eating habits and regular physical activity all play a key part in student success.
Students should aim to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, which can include both moderate-intensity aerobic activities and muscle-strengthening activities. To increase the odds of sticking with their workout regime, find an activity you enjoy doing; many colleges provide open spaces that are ideal for running, walking, hiking or playing sports – and working out alongside friends can add socialization and motivational value!
Remembering to wash your hands frequently after touching public surfaces or before eating can greatly decrease the spread of germs to others and may help protect you from illness. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol and phenol, proven effective against germs.
4. Stay hydrated
People often have preconceived notions about college students that include all-nighters in the library with energy drinks or partying into the early morning before getting up for class. Although some stereotypes are accurate, there are many ways in which college students can live a healthier lifestyle while attending university.
Staying hydrated is one of the key student health tips, providing energy, reducing headaches and improving concentration. Students can carry water bottles around or find hydration stations or fountains on campus; additionally they may add fruit, veggies and herbs for flavoring and extra nutrients.
Students should opt for water as an alternative to sugary beverages like soda and fruit juice that contain added sugars. They can also consume foods that provide fluids like yogurt, milk, whole fruit and vegetables to stay hydrated.
Exercise regularly, especially if they’re studying or living in a dorm. Exercise can help alleviate stress and anxiety which is often the source of overeating. They should get outside as often as possible and use other low-stress techniques like playing sports with friends, yoga or meditation for relaxation purposes. They should also ensure all their immunizations are up to date.
5. Take care of your mental health
Students must prioritize mental wellness in the same manner that they prioritize physical wellbeing. It’s vital that they disconnect from social media, limit news consumption and get plenty of sunlight; furthermore it is key that they eat healthily and engage in exercise to increase endorphin production for improved moods and improved coping mechanisms.
Student should form early support networks by drawing upon school resources such as tutoring programs and counselors, so as to better navigate any obstacles they encounter along their journey. Furthermore, in case they experience any mental health crises it’s reassuring knowing there are emergency support options available should something go amiss.
Many students may become overwhelmed during their college careers, yet it’s imperative that they keep pace academically by creating a schedule, taking advantage of school resources and meeting classroom expectations. If students find it hard to concentrate, it may help if they speak to professors or visit student health services for support.
