College students struggle with a myriad of problems that make thriving on campus challenging. According to a recent study, 50% of college students reported struggling with moderate to severe stress, while a further 26% have contemplated suicide at some point in their campus life. There has also been a rise in the number of college dropouts, with evidence showing that more than 30% of college students terminate their studies within their first year on campus. College can be frustrating, which is why you need to make self-care a priority. You need good health and mental well-being to deliver the level of commitment needed to thrive in higher education. The good news is that self-care in college is easier than you think. Here are some tips to ensure you protect your mind, body, and soul.
- Strike a Balance
There is always a lot going on in the life of a college student at any given time. Unlike high school, you will have a less structured environment with a heavier workload. There will be no one to remind you to attend class or work on assignments. The increased responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially if you must combine work and academics.
To succeed on campus, you need to strike a delicate balance between your multiple responsibilities. Take care of your mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual well-being. While you are in school to study, don’t forget the importance of friends and social support. If you find time management problematic, consider getting do my dissertation support online.
- Learn the Power of Meditation
College life can be stressful and anxiety can affect your academic performance. If stress from performing or from relationships makes you anxious, consider mindful meditation. According to experts, spending at least ten minutes each day meditating can help you remain calm to attain inner peace. The good news is that anyone can benefit from meditation as the practice is simple and inexpensive.
If stress makes you anxious, tense, and worried, consider trying meditation. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can help restore your calm and inner peace. The amazing thing is that meditation can happen anywhere whether on the bus or waiting for a doctor’s appointment. Meditation is not new and has been practised for years. Initially intended to help strengthen understanding of mystical and sacred life forces, meditation has grown and is now an approved practice for mental and physical health interventions.
When meditating, you will be expected to focus your attention on something or a memory, and eliminate the things that crowd your mind and cause stress. Evidence shows that meditation leads to better physical and emotional health. Meditation also provides a sense of calm, balance, and peace, benefiting your overall health and psychological well-being. The point here is that regular meditation allows you to unwind and eliminate stress by refocusing your attention on something less stressful.
- Exercise Regularly
One of the most important things you can do for your mental and physical well-being in college is to exercise. Moving your body is recommended as an intervention for weight management and mental health. Of course, some semesters will have your schedule so swamped that you wonder whether college is worth all the effort.
Proper planning will make you more organized and able to cope with those hectic schedules. Exercise helps with weight management, allowing you to burn those extra calories and stay fit. Regular exercise will also help your mental health, taking your focus away from stressful situations and helping with your breathing exercises. The good news is that colleges make it incredibly easy to exercise and stay fit. Most campuses have gyms and sports facilities that students can benefit from.
However, it is important to note that you don’t have to perform strenuous routines to exercise. Even simple activities like taking a walk in the evening or riding a bike can count if done regularly. The secret is not in the intensiveness of the activity but in the frequency. Even if you don’t have the time or motivation to hit the gym, consider walking to class. Remember, staying active will leave you feeling energized and complement your other healthy decisions.
- Create and Follow a Routine
There is no denying that college life these days is hectic and students struggle to keep up with multiple responsibilities. On that side, being on campus is largely enjoyable, as long as you remain organized. Getting everything done on time and tracking your deadlines will reduce your stress levels and help you cope with academic as well as social demands.
The secret to getting things done and avoiding being overwhelmed is being more organized. Prioritize what needs to be done according to deadlines and level of urgency. Start by tackling assignments with shorter timelines first. Routines will also create some sense of predictability, allowing you to stay motivated and disciplined. As you plan your days, make sure to schedule enough sleep time during the night.
- Drink Lots of Water
As a busy college student, you need to always remain hydrated. Understand that remaining hydrated helps with your overall health and improves your levels of concentration. Evidence also shows that students who drink enough water tend to have fewer food cravings and are better able to maintain a healthy weight. Make it a habit to carry water with you throughout the day as it helps keep your body clean and transports vital nutrients throughout your body. If you are not properly hydrated, your body may not perform at its best. Drinking water helps reduce skin drying, dizziness, and dehydration.
This article offers a few insights on how students can maintain self-care and stay healthy in college. Make sure you eat healthy meals and exercise regularly. Also, feel free to seek support every time you feel overwhelmed. Activities like meditation and exercise will help you cope with stress and enhance your immunity. Also, make sure to get enough sleep and be kind to your peers.
