Health & Wellness Tips for College Students

Health and wellness are multi-faceted. Even if you are thriving in one area, you could well be struggling in another. And while this is true in all of life’s chapters, it is especially so during young adulthood. For instance, success at college means much more than earning good grades. It also means learning to successfully navigate many new challenges on your own.

People often joke about “the freshman 15,” a term widely used to refer to the amount of weight a typical student gains during the first year of college. The prevalence of this expression reflects the fact that many people who are on their own for the first time don’t always make the best choices when it comes to their physical wellness. Indeed, between attending classes, writing papers, taking exams, and maintaining an active social life, many college students feel they don’t have enough time to pay attention to their physical wellness—until an illness stops them in their tracks.

Promoting Physical Wellness in College & Beyond

Physical wellness encompasses more than getting medical care for illnesses and injuries. Here are some ways to help ensure that you will stay healthy throughout your education and beyond:

Eat Right

Whether you’re up at the crack of dawn for class or you’re rolling out of bed at noon, start your day with a healthy, balanced breakfast. Of course, junk food is always fast and easy when you’re looking for a snack. To avoid temptation, keep your dorm room and backpack stocked with fruits, nuts, yogurt, hummus, string cheese, and granola bars. You’ll be more likely to reach for the healthy stuff if it’s nearby. Also, carry a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day. Drinking enough water can help you stay hydrated, boost your concentration, and prevent you from overeating.

Exercise Regularly

It can be difficult to squeeze 30 minutes of daily exercise (the minimum amount recommended by many experts) into your busy schedule—but it is possible. Why not make it a game by playing a sport? You might join an intramural team or play recreational sports through your college to get active and have fun at the same time. Also, many schools have gym facilities that enrolled students can use for free. You might head to the gym between classes or squeeze in a workout first thing in the morning.

Get Enough Rest

College students aren’t exactly known for having an “early to bed, early to rise” attitude, but sufficient sleep is essential for good health. Most people need 7-9 hours of sleep to feel fully rested. This might not be possible every night, but you should aim to get a full night’s rest whenever you can. Also, avoid “all-nighters.” While you might think you need to cram all night before a big exam, you would actually be doing yourself a disservice. Not getting enough sleep can impair your ability to do well—no matter how many hours you’ve studied.

Most colleges provide healthcare services and physical activities for students, making it easy for enrolled students to stay healthy. Additionally, if you need non-emergency urgent care, you can always turn to South Tampa Immediate Care. We are located at 602 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa, FL, where we see many students from USF, UT, HCC, and other area colleges. Stop by today!