Stay Well: Health Tips for College Students

Your college years are undoubtedly some of the best of your life. You make new friends, learn fascinating things, and get to experience real independence for the first time. You are also responsible for your health more than ever before, and it's easy to get ill when you're studying, partying, and feeding yourself. These college health tips will help you stay well while you study.

Drink Plenty of Water

You'll get dehydrated walking around campus so buy a reusable water bottle and make sure to drink enough water every day, about eight glasses, or 2 liters. Keeping your water levels topped up protects against illness, helps your kidneys function well, and keeps acne at bay.

Keep Healthy Snacks Nearby

It's easy to grab chocolate bars and soda if you're hungry between classes and don't have anything on hand, but these unhealthy treats will lead to bad nutrition and weight gain. Keep healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, and cereal bars in your bag so you can eat well when you're hungry.

Vary Your Meals

Don't stick to the one meal you like at the cafeteria and eat it every day. Variation is more likely to provide you with a healthy balance of vitamins and nutrients so try to mix up your meals and cook your own food if you have the facilities to do so.

Move Your Body

Hours of sitting in class and hunching over your laptop in the library can leave you with bad posture, low stamina, and extra weight, so try to move your body when possible. Join a sports team, go for a run, or walk to class in the morning. Exercise is beneficial for your physical and mental health.

Get Seven Hours of Sleep

You're at college to learn, even if sometimes it feels like socializing is more important. Losing sleep makes it difficult to concentrate and retain information, as well as can wreak havoc with your emotions. Make sure you're getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, and make all-nighters a rare indulgence.

Practice Safe Sex

If you're sexually active or you think that you might experiment with sex at college, make sure you have contraception on hand to protect against sexuality transmitted infections and pregnancy. Don't wait until it's too late to make wise decisions about your sexual health.

Take Breaks

Studying is important, and it's easy to get caught up in the rush of long cram sessions when exam season is looming. However, you must remember to take breaks, get fresh air, and spend time with friends so that you have a chance to release the stress. It'll pay off in the long run.

Go to the Health Center

Most colleges have a free or cheap health center where you can see doctors and nurses and get medical advice. Make the most of these services when you're ill or have a question about your health, even if it's something embarrassing, so you can get well soon and put your mind at ease.

Staying healthy at college is central to your educational success, so keep these tips in mind and make the most of your experience.