2008 Woodie Awards
Staying Healthy and Happy in College
Rochelle Siegel
Issue date: 10/7/05 Section: Life & Times
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Going to college is an exciting change in a person's life. It is a time when you can start making your own decisions in life. And one of those important decisions you need to make while you are away from home is the issue of your own health.
It is not uncommon for college students to experience stress and anxiety while in school. A positive attitude, balanced sleeping and eating habits and relaxation exercises are some of the ways in which students can relieve stress and stay healthy.
Thinking positive will make a person happier, which leads to better health. It is also true that people who are happier have healthier levels of many key body chemicals.
Clinical Psychologist Jane Wardle believes that laughter is one of the best medicines. The happier people are during the day, the lower the cortisol levels become. Cortisol is a stress hormone. If cortisol levels become too high it can lead to weight gain, muscle weakness, skin changes, bruising easily, excessive thirst, and hypertension.
Students should try to always stay confident and believe in themselves. Staying positive and getting the most fun out of life is important. Sometimes you need to be patient; things take time, but stay positive and set goals for yourself and work to achieve them.
Some college students tend to get so busy that they skip one of the most important things their body needs in order to be healthy: sleep. The average amount of sleep a person needs is 8 hours a night. If you are not getting enough sleep you may become even more stressed out which leads to you becoming depressed. Students who do not get a good nights rest often have a hard time staying awake in their classes, paying attention, concentrating on exams and papers and their bodies become less immune to colds and minor illnesses that run through the campus.
Many sleep problems occur due to poor sleep habits such as an irregular bedtime, frequent naps, late-night activities, or weekend sleeping-in. Emotional stress accounts for more than 50% of chronic sleep problems. Early morning wake-up is typical of depression. Major stress can start insomnia or cause excessive fatigue. Diet and exercise habits can also affect a person's sleep. Alcohol, caffeine, a large meal, or strenuous exercise close to bedtime can temporarily boost the body's metabolism and cause a restless nights sleep.
It is not uncommon for college students to experience stress and anxiety while in school. A positive attitude, balanced sleeping and eating habits and relaxation exercises are some of the ways in which students can relieve stress and stay healthy.
Thinking positive will make a person happier, which leads to better health. It is also true that people who are happier have healthier levels of many key body chemicals.
Clinical Psychologist Jane Wardle believes that laughter is one of the best medicines. The happier people are during the day, the lower the cortisol levels become. Cortisol is a stress hormone. If cortisol levels become too high it can lead to weight gain, muscle weakness, skin changes, bruising easily, excessive thirst, and hypertension.
Students should try to always stay confident and believe in themselves. Staying positive and getting the most fun out of life is important. Sometimes you need to be patient; things take time, but stay positive and set goals for yourself and work to achieve them.
Some college students tend to get so busy that they skip one of the most important things their body needs in order to be healthy: sleep. The average amount of sleep a person needs is 8 hours a night. If you are not getting enough sleep you may become even more stressed out which leads to you becoming depressed. Students who do not get a good nights rest often have a hard time staying awake in their classes, paying attention, concentrating on exams and papers and their bodies become less immune to colds and minor illnesses that run through the campus.
Many sleep problems occur due to poor sleep habits such as an irregular bedtime, frequent naps, late-night activities, or weekend sleeping-in. Emotional stress accounts for more than 50% of chronic sleep problems. Early morning wake-up is typical of depression. Major stress can start insomnia or cause excessive fatigue. Diet and exercise habits can also affect a person's sleep. Alcohol, caffeine, a large meal, or strenuous exercise close to bedtime can temporarily boost the body's metabolism and cause a restless nights sleep.