• 3-minute read
• 27th May 2019

6 Top Health Tips for Students

You’re a student, so you’re probably young and feel indestructible. But we all have to take care of ourselves if we want to stay healthy, especially if we want to do well in our studies. The good news is that staying healthy doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy. And if you stick to these basic health tips, you should be in great shape to excel in your studies.

1. You Are What You Eat

Eating well is vital for healthy living, but it’s not something that students are always good at. There’s a reason for all those cold beans and instant noodle stereotypes, after all.

This is changing, though. Increasing awareness of diet means more students are eating healthily. Many are even trying vegetarianism and veganism, which are good for the environment as well! But the most important thing is making time to eat proper, healthy meals on a regular basis.

One good tip here is to eat with your friends, especially if you’re sharing accommodation. Cooking for more people is cheaper, and you can share the cooking and cleaning duties.

2. A Healthy Body

Maybe you’re a gym bunny already. Good for you. But if not, don’t be put off by people demanding that you “feel the burn.” Even a little bit of regular exercise can help keep you healthy.

Ideally, you should find time for around 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. You can even work it into your daily routine, if going to the gym doesn’t appeal!

3. A Healthy Mind

Anxiety and other mental health issues affect most people at some point. And students can be especially vulnerable, since balancing your studies, work, and social life is often stressful.

But there are simple ways you can help stay healthy, including:

• Being aware of your own mental health and stress levels.
• Knowing your stress triggers.
• Taking time out to relax now and then.
• Meditation and breathing techniques.

Most important, though, is not being afraid to seek help if you need it. Your college should have support systems in place if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Talking to friends or family when you’re feeling low is a great first step, too.

4. Sleeping Is Good

Sleep is just as important as diet and exercise for a healthy lifestyle. Ideally, you should get between seven and nine hours every night. If this isn’t currently the case, cutting back on caffeine after 3pm and avoiding illuminated screens (phones, tablets, etc.) before bed could help.

5. Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll (in Moderation)

While college life should, of course, include trying out new things and having fun, excessive partying will take its toll. Limiting yourself to going out at the weekends is a good start. If nothing else, it will mean you won’t have to deal with 9am lectures on next to no sleep.

Oh, and when it comes to your romantic life, make sure to use protection. If you don’t think this is necessary, please browse this gallery of STDs.

6. Do Good

This one might sound strange, especially if your schedule is already hectic, but research shows that volunteering counteracts stress and makes you happier. It also lets you try new things and get valuable experience, so there’s plenty to gain from being selfless!