itrategies: (0) Heathy Hebits for Finst-Year Students especially for students whe decide to study far away from home. I know that leavig rong fomfort rone can make for quite an adjustment, so Ne put together a list of healthy habits that first-year students sheuld adopt to tnxurs that they remain happy and successful. Diet: Not having homecooked meats every day can certainly be a change. Typically, yudentu with meal plans will eat at on-campus cafeterias. However, it is common for students to indulge and try eut new eateries, too Though clans times may sometimes interfere with one's regularly scheduled mealtimes, it is important to make healthy choices, which include eating three meals a day (especially breakfast!) and consumins plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein, and vitamins. Drink a lot of water. limit your junk, food intake, and remember to pack nutritious snacks for those long days of classes and studying en campus. Exercise: A healthy body is key to a healthy, productive mind. We recognize that school, particularly in one's firat year of undergraduate study. can be quite busy, but we recommend that all students create a timetable that allows for daily exercise. Fitneis is critical and is proven to help students reduce stress, concentrate more, bulid strength and immunity, and regulate their sleep schedule. Go to the gym, do yoga, take a walk or an exercise class, or go for a swim, bike ride, hike, or run. Working out with a roommate or friend is a great way to keep each other motivated! for those seeking more organized activities, consider joining a sports team or club, intramural competition, or recreational league. Sleep: Students entering first-year college or university can usually create their own course timetables. To accommodate students' schedules and preferences, classes are usually offered throughout the week at various times, from early morning to late evening. Regardless of when students choose to attend a class, it is important that they get enough sleep to reduce fatigue and stress. Aim for eight hours per night (with a well-deserved Netflix nap in the dayl) and try to go to bed and wake up at the ame times every day. We know that this will not be possible each day (especially during exam seasons), but the stronger your routine, the healthier you will feel. That crunch time all-nighter should be a last resort! Hygiene: With thousands of students sharing communal spaces, it is very easy for illnesses, ineluding viruses, colds, and flus to spread. Though mask mandates and social distancing restrictions should now be lifted completely in most school environments, it is important that students continue to adopt hygienic practices to limit the circulation of any illnesses. If you are sick, stay home! Do not go to class and risk infecting others. If possible, access the course content online or try to get the lesson's notes from a friend or classmate. In addition to following your school's protocols, wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing beverages, wear flipflops in a shared shower, avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth, stay hydrated, visit a doctor if symptoms intensify or linger, and get vaccinated as recommended. Stress: The jump from high school to college can be significant. We understand that, in addition to academics, many students will have other responsibilities, including working part-time or competing for a sports team. Stress, especially at the post-second ary level, is inevitable, but there are ways to manage it so that you can feel physically and mentally healthy. Create goals and a daily routine that includes a consistent limit on work and study hours. Keep an organized to-do list, prioritize tasks that have pressing deadlines and/or will require the most amount of work, give yourself short breaks throughout the day, and seek assistance when needed. Time management is a learned skill that comes with a lot of practice, so it is natural to feel overwhelmed at times. Remember to chip away at your workload consistently and give yourself plenty of time to finish your tasks. Trust us: procrastinating only makes the process worse! Wellness: Living in a new environment, meeting new people, and jugsling multiple responsibilities are the defining characteristics of the firstyear experience. Adjustments, however, are complicated, and can sometimes lead to us feeling unwell or not quite like ourselves. If you are starting to feel homesick, reach out to someone from home; keep in touch with family and friends, who can often provide a sense of comfort. If you have trouble fitting in right away, or have not yet found your crowd, consider getting involved on campus, seeking volunteer opportunities, introducing yourself to your classmates, joining a student club, or attending a social mixer. Ultimately, preparing for change is not the same as enduring it. It is critical to recognize signs of depression or mental exhaustion, and to seek professional help right away. All schools offer free, on-campus mental health services and resources. You are never alone.
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