School and college life can be pretty tough. And often times, parents and teachers make it harder by setting unattainable goals for the students. Psychologists say that cases of fatigue, burnout, and anxiety are quite common among student these days because of the all the pressure that’s heaped on them. But little things can help. 

Drink lots of water
This likely comes as no surprise. As US News says, “this isn’t revolutionary advice, but it’s very relevant to college students. As they walk around campus, students lose more water than they realize, raising the risk of dehydration. Plus, water promotes fullness, helping stave off hunger”. You can buy a reusable water bottle or maybe just pick one you have at home already and always have that in your bag. This way you stay hydrated and don’t have to run to the canteen every time you feel thirsty. Drinking enough water can help boost concentration as well as keep you from overeating. Plus, water will keep you healthy, help clear your skin, flush out your system and more. Don’t opt for sodas or store bought juices and drinks as they tend to be heavier and will make you feel drowsy during lectures. The key is to make sure you are hydrated as you go through your day by having water with you at all times.

Sleep well
As students, you have to study and complete assignments and so you tend to compromise on your sleeping hours to do things you enjoy like watch a movie or binge on a show. So, often times you get very little sleep and this immediately has an effect on you the next day. You feel drowsy in class and you suffer from bad mood. Students also tend to stay up late to ace a test that is due the next day. This may seem like a big feat – acing a test in one night – but just because you can do it doesn’t mean it’s good for you. According to the Huffington Post, getting too little sleep on a regular basis can “increase your risk of stroke, lead to obesity, up your diabetes risk, fuel memory loss, damage bones, increase your cancer risk, hurt your heart, and also age your skin prematurely”. 

Keep track of your mental health
School and college students fall in the high-risk group for depression so make sure you keep yourself happy and healthy. It’s important to be aware of and give time to what you are feeling and how it’s affecting your school or college life. If you are not feeling your best or if something is bothering you, first thing to do is to ask for help. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help with matters concerning their mental wellbeing but this is unnecessary as mental health issues are common and treatable problems that you don’t have to deal with alone. You can go to your parents, friends, or a counselor and share your feelings with them. This is the first step of getting help. 

You can help beat homesickness and loneliness by keeping in touch with friends and family members. Another thing to remember is that a big part of the college experience is meeting new people and forming new friendships so get out there and meet new people whenever possible. Don’t hide your feelings from others and especially from yourself. This way you can accept and try to be as mentally fit as possible.

De-stress to be at your best
As students, stress tends to get the best of you. Be it a challenging semester, an existential crisis, a fallout with a friend or the fear of the future, many students tend to have a hard time keeping themselves happy and motivated. Learn the signs of stress and anxiety so you can beat them the moment you begin to feel overwhelmed. Push yourself to try things you enjoy and you’ll find that, in a matter of time, you will feel more active and better about yourself. 

If you get in the habit of studying, working out, and sleeping at certain hours, it will be easier to fit in all the things you need to do in a day without feeling too stressed out, so create a routine. It’s also important to be gentle with yourself. Sometimes assignments and chores can feel overwhelming and you might not be able to complete them all. Be realistic with your goals and understand that you can only do so much. Remind yourself to relax.

Get moving
There is no debate over the benefits of exercise. Experts agree that almost any form of body movement is better than none. Regular cardio exercise will fend off stress and give you energy to make it through a marathon class load, plus it’s good for your heart and just about every other part of your body. For students who want to keep fit, a 30-minute exercise routine is perfect. If you don’t have time for that, two 15-minute sessions are as good as one half-hour stint. There is no excuse to avoid exercising, and the benefits of exercising are endless. Don’t miss out on the chance for a healthy immune system, enhanced strength, and a good-looking body.

 
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