How to balance health in the new school year

Are you struggling to find a balance in your overall health as classes resume? You’re not alone. As the new semester begins, many students find it challenging to get back into a routine. Whether it’s juggling homework, finding time for sleep or adjusting to new living conditions, the transition can be tough.

Struggling to balance classes, physical health, mental health and spiritual health can lead to various outcomes, as these aspects are deeply interconnected. If someone struggles with their mental health, they are less likely to invest time in their physical health. Similarly, neglecting spiritual health or grounding practices can dramatically affect one’s mood and mental health. In simpler terms, if one element of your life is out of balance, it can create a domino effect on every other aspect. However, college is a time for learning, growing and discovering what works best for us as individuals.

As a sophomore, I will share some suggestions to help you take care of your overall health and transition back to college more smoothly. A balanced lifestyle includes time for physical activity, rest, learning something you are passionate about and engaging in spiritual or grounding practices.

These can be categorized into three broader areas: physical, mental/emotional and spiritual health. Achieving balance in each of these categories can lead to a well-rounded routine.

First, let’s dive into physical health. This is probably the version of health most people think of. To take care of your physical health regular exercise or movement is essential. Find what works best for you and stick to it consistently. Examples include running, jogging, walking, basketball, pickleball, lifting weights, volleyball or any activity that gets your heart rate up.

Another crucial aspect of physical health is nutrition. You can exercise all you want, but if your diet isn’t nutritious you may still face health problems. Nutrition should be prioritized before adding exercise, as the human body depends on the nutrients we consume.

A healthy diet can take many forms, but a good rule of thumb is to include some protein in every meal, whether it’s meat, fish, poultry, nuts or cheese. Protein helps keep you fuller for longer and provides more sustained energy than sugary snacks like donuts or candy. Additionally, incorporating plenty of leafy greens, fruits and simple carbohydrates can significantly improve your physical health and athletic performance.

The cleaner you eat, the better you’ll feel overall, which can positively affect your mental health. I can attest to this as I have cut out processed sugars and added tons of protein into my eating habits. As a result, I have lost weight and I feel more sustained and have more energy.

Eating a more balanced diet has also improved how I feel mentally and emotionally.

Life can be stressful, so it’s important to rest and decompress to process everything. When struggling with emotions, lean on your support system, which can consist of friends, peers, family, professors or anyone else you trust. Never bottle up emotions; while it might work in the short term, they will eventually explode if not dealt with.

The last aspect of health I want to discuss is spiritual health. I argue this is the most important since it gives someone purpose; however, I understand that this may not be as important for those who do not prioritize spiritual health.

Practicing spiritual health can come in many forms. Have you ever just found yourself sitting in silence and praying? This would be a good example of practicing spiritual health. Other examples include doing a bible study, going on walks to see the beautiful world or doing acts of service for others. The point of spiritual health is to foster a connection with the divine spirit, so do that however you see fit.

If spiritual health is not something that applies to your life, then an alternative is finding a way that works for you to keep yourself grounded amidst life’s uncertainties. This can be done through meditation, sitting in silence or going on a walk in nature and embracing the beauty of our planet.

Another general note is not to spend all day doing homework unless absolutely necessary. From experience, this is crucial because otherwise it can feel like life revolves solely around schoolwork, which it does not. With these tips and suggestions, I urge you to experiment and figure out what works best for your life and lifestyle choices.

In conclusion, maintaining a balance between physical, mental and spiritual health is crucial for a successful and fulfilling college experience. By incorporating regular exercise, a nutritious diet, emotional support and spiritual practices into your routine, you can navigate the challenges of college life more effectively. Remember, college is a time for learning and growth, so take the time to find what works best for you as an individual.