Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be difficult as a student. Late nights, irregular schedules, work commitments, tight budgets and food choices all take their toll on your health. Luckily, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind that will help you stay on track. Whether you’re getting ready to start tertiary study for the first time or you’re in your last few semesters, here are some tips you need to embrace:
1. Find ways to manage stress levels; ensure you manage your stress levels before they hit their peak and to find study methods that work for you. Many students find it effective to structure their study sessions and take study breaks between each session. This might involve a quick jog around the block to clear your head, sitting down with a book or your favorite movie, or catching up with friends for a coffee. You can also avoid stress by being prepared and organised throughout the semester.
2. Balance your commitments; ensure you balance your study with a part-time or casual job, or perhaps with relationships and social commitments. It’s important to maintain a life outside of study — keeping everything balanced will help you to do well academically and will also keep your health in check.
3. Avoid late-night studies; ensure you have enough rest by avoiding over-night schedules. Your mind requires enough rest.
4. Stay fit; create time for regular physical exercises such as running. Join the local gym (or the one on campus), plan activities over the weekend that get you moving and look for opportunities to increase your ‘incidental’ exercise.