Students experience a variety of challenges at college: from living away from home to the pressure of exams. Students who have strong foundations are better equipped to handle adversity. Small, incremental improvements have the greatest impact toward sustainable healthy behaviors.
Poor sleep is linked to weakened immune systems, anxiety, and depression. Ensuring we get enough sleep is critical. Sleep quality can be improved by making changes to eating, drinking, and exercise, as well as limiting screen time before bed. It's a great place to start the journey toward resilient health.
No one is immune to stress. Too much unmanaged stress can lead to a variety of problems, like anxiety, disrupted sleep, and weight gain. Relaxation has to be practiced like any other skill: some people find meditation helpful, others reading books or going for a run. We're all different, so finding a strategy that works is a process.
The "Freshman 15" has been debunked, but students do tend to gain weight in their first year. Factors like stress, dining hall food, and alcohol can be contributors. Three out of four students aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables daily. Proper nutrition as well as regular exercise keep both body and mind healthy.