There’s nothing like the start of a new school year to help people change routines and snap into focus. If you’ve been able to travel or just relax and enjoy time with family and friends all summer, you may be in for a rude awakening as you realize you must start being more scheduled and disciplined as September approaches. On the other hand, this is an opportunity to develop healthy habits and break bad ones. Self-care is important, especially for teens and young adults moving into high school or college. Here are a few simple steps that can get you started on the right foot.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Many young people benefit from quick metabolisms that let them seemingly eat whatever they want without gaining a pound. The reality is, there’s a lot more to health that not being overweight. It’s important to limit the amount of bad things (fatty fried foods and sugary desserts and drinks) while putting more good things in (like fruits, vegetables, vitamins and multi gi5 coupon supplements). It’s also critical to drink plenty of water, which will help your digestive health and skin while making you feel less bloated and more energetic. A good rule of thumb is to shoot for a half ounce of water each day for every pound you weigh. In other words, a 150-pound young man or woman should try to drink 75 ounces of water every day.
Get Plenty of Sleep
In the teenage years (especially while in college) sleep can seem like a low priority. After all, there’s so much fun to be had with sleepovers, parties, and late-night phone calls, right? Or, on the flip-side, you may have to cram for a paper or exam well past the midnight hour. Look, the occasional late night is fine, but it’s more important than you may realize to give your body ample time to rest and recharge. If you’re not getting seven-and-a-half to eight hours of sleep each night, you’re risking not just lethargy and moodiness, but compromised immunity and weight gain. Sleep is the fountain of youth. Make it a priority.
Get Some Exercise Every Day
Many students spend hours upon hours sitting at tables or in desks. The walks between classes will help, but 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day will help you stay healthy and fit. That doesn’t mean half an hour of intense weightlifting or sprinting each day if that doesn’t fit into your lifestyle. You should, however, be sure to take a walk at a brisk pace, practice yoga, or develop a jogging or weight training routine to keep yourself in shape. The best form of exercise is the one you enjoy and will continue to do. In this age of smart watches, fitness trackers, and streaming exercise video services, it’s easier than ever!
Make Time for Hobbies
Being a student can be very stressful. You’re juggling multiple subjects, projects, and deadlines all the time. Still, it’s crucial to devote a little time to something that brings you joy each day. Whether that’s playing music, a favorite video game, or just social gatherings is up to you. Making time to unwind and take your mind away from studies is important to your well-being.
Turn off the Screens
Speaking of well-being and unwinding, you should also try not to watch TV or use your tablet or smartphone an hour before you go to bed. This may run counter to the idea of relaxing, but video screens stimulate the eyes and brain in ways that are not conducive to settling into proper sleep patterns. Set an alarm and cut off your electronic devices an hour before the lights go out.
Students are under a lot of pressure, and often put a lot of pressure on themselves as well. Use these tips to stay in touch with yourself, and nurture self-care and well-being.
