Health can be considered many different things. It can range from stress management, mental health and physical health. There are a few tips to follow to try and keep yourself healthy and happy as you return to school and operate through COVID. AFC Urgent Care Stoneham is here to help with all minor injuries and illnesses this school year. Continue reading to learn helpful health tips to consider throughout the year to help keep you healthy.

Consider a healthy diet

Unhealthy meals and snacks may be convenient, but they’re not ideal for a complete diet. Fruits and vegetables can help you get the nutrition you need every day to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s not about eliminating these foods but rather limiting your intake.

Protein, healthy fats and whole grains can help give you energy and help to stay focused throughout the day. Consider taking the time to pack snacks to bring to class to keep you from getting hungry. Smoothies, dried fruits, mixed nuts, or string cheese are all excellent examples of easy snacks.

Stay hydrated

Maintaining hydration throughout the day can also help give you energy and maintain focus. It can also help prevent or reduce the severity of headaches as well as boosting your metabolism. Sugary drinks, such as soda, or coffee actually dehydrate you. Dehydration can make you feel miserable throughout the day.

Sports drinks that have electrolytes are also good to incorporate every once in a while. These drinks can help give you the minerals that you may not receive from regular water.

Get enough sleep

The amount of work a college student receives and maintaining their social life can hinder the amount of sleep one gets. It’s important to try and get around 7 to 8 hours of sleep as much as possible.

Getting enough sleep can improve your overall mental health and energy levels. It also helps to repair your immune system and improves your mood. Sleep is a vital part of life and, in order to do your best, it’s important to prioritize it.

Incorporate exercise

Physical activity can also help relieve stress and improve your mood. It’s recommended to get at least 30 minutes of exercise that gets your heart pumping every day. Many colleges will provide access to gyms or exercise areas. However, it is just as easy to exercise in your dorm room. Look up at-home workout videos or go for a long walk when it’s nice out. Fresh air can help clear your mind and get you back on track.

Kick bad habits

While all of these tips can help to stay healthy, it’s important to be aware of any bad habits you may have. Drinking alcohol in excess is common for college students, however, it can impact your quality of sleep and dehydrate you. Additionally, smoking tobacco can have a long-term impact on your health. It can increase your chance of developing lung cancer, as well as heart disease.