How to Stay Healthy in College

Create a bedtime routine: If you have trouble getting to sleep at night, create a routine that signals your mind and body that bedtime is approaching. Stick to this routine and you may find it easier to fall asleep.

Stick to a schedule: This may be challenging with assignments, family, work and other aspects of your college lifestyle, but try to set a strict schedule for sleep hours.

Relax before bedtime: About an hour before your planned bedtime, put your electronic devices to sleep and initiate your relaxation routine, which might include breathing deeply, doing a few yoga poses, dimming the lights and making notes so the next day’s to-do list isn’t reverberating in your head.

Don’t work in bed: Many students ditch the desk and use their bed as a workspace. This can make it harder to get to sleep. Try to maintain a strict separation between your work and sleep spaces, and use your bed for rest, not studying.

Avoid meals or caffeine right before bed: All of these activities throw off your body’s internal clock. Try to finish consuming any food or caffeinated drinks at least a few hours before going to bed.

Don’t fight stress with eating (more about that later).

Eat breakfast. Yes, it can be the most important meal of the day. Adding high-quality protein will keep your energy and concentration levels up and reduce the urge to snack later in the day.

Remember the importance of hydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help boost your concentration while keeping you from overeating. 

If you live close enough to work or school, increase your heart rate and release those mood-boosting endorphins by riding a bike or walking.

During 15-minute breaks in study sessions or your workday, take a walk or climb a few flights of stairs.

Find something you know will be fun. Playing disc golf on a team or signing up for dancing or yoga are fun ways to exercise. Choosing the activities you enjoy makes it easier for them to become a part of your routine.

Don’t forget to stretch first. Avoid injuries and pain by stretching. Your body will thank you later.

Squeeze in a workout at the gym before work or during breaks.

Exercising with a friend is a great way to make working out more fun and keep yourself accountable. When someone else is relying on you to show up, you’re much less likely to skip your workout. 

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If these aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will do in a pinch.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially after being out in public.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects on a regular basis to rid them of germs.

If you are sick, limit your contact with others as much as possible.

Create a routine. Developing a habit of studying, working out and sleeping on a consistent schedule will make it easier to manage your time and your to-do list without feeling stressed out.

Exercise. As we mentioned, exercise has stress-reduction benefits, as well as helping you stay physically fit. A workout in the gym or on the basketball court can help make the stress melt away.

Improve your time management skills. Conducting a little research to see how you can better manage your time and your to-do list will help you significantly when it comes to completing assignments, your work schedule, studying and other demands.

Set realistic goals. No matter how good your time management skills are, sometimes there is just no way you can accomplish everything you’d like to in a day. Knowing how to take a step back and be compassionate to yourself is an important part of learning how to stay healthy in college.

Take time to rest. Taking regular breaks and getting enough sleep are both excellent stress reduction measures.

Maintain and develop relationships. This will help to minimize the feeling of isolation that can sometimes compound anxiety. Making new friends and spending time the people that you love can help provide a welcome respite from tasks like challenging homework assignments.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. For your own benefit and the benefit of others, learn the signs of depression. If they emerge, tap into student resources or talk it out with a therapist or friend.