Oludolapo Somoye (Nursing student)
A university student’s journey is not a relay race but a marathon. Therefore, taking the right steps, cultivating good habits, and building the future you have always dreamed of, one step at a time, is the way to go. You need not worry; everything will work out. These are seven practical suggestions for students who wish to actively lead healthy lives.
- “Let food be thy medicine; thy medicine shall be thy food.” — Hippocrates
Try not to skip meals. Remember that you are what you eat, and food is the fuel your brain needs to work and concentrate. If you are too busy, cook simple meals, and yes, take advantage of the school restaurant’s services. - “No water, no life. No blue, no green.” – Dr Sylvia Earle
Hydrate! Always keep a water bottle with you. You want to ensure that it is constantly in use and never left empty. 🙂 - “Sleep is the best meditation.” – Dalai Lama
Get enough sleep, and avoid all-nighters. The recommended minimum sleep duration is 7 hours per night. This helps your brain memory and makes learning better. - “The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.” – Unknown source
Stay active to keep your energy level up and prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, stroke, obesity, and early onset of dementia. You can make a habit of walking, cycling, dancing, or gymming daily. You can also do stretches in the middle of a class to avoid stiffness. - “Prevention is better than cure.” – Desiderius Erasmus
Know where the health centre is before the need for it arises. Regular check-ups and vaccinations, e.g., flu vaccinations, are also smart moves for preventing illnesses.
6. The saying goes…“Your mental health is just as important as your career or education.” – Unknown Source. But I want to add, “It takes a mentally healthy person to start or have a career.” Protect your mental well-being jealously. Find the best way to deal with stress. Engage in a fun activity! Something else besides studying. even if reading is one of your hobbies! 🙂 It’s beneficial to your mental health. You should always finish the day with a clear heart and a calm mind. Stay in a group of people who care about you and seek counselling when necessary.
7. I’d say that “Finger lickin’ good”—KFC—is more truthfully, “Crisis in every bite.” – My opinion.
Snack wisely. Yes to nuts, granola bars, and fruits! A definite no to sodas, energy drinks, junk food, and candies. (Or, at the very least, don’t use them frequently.)
On a final note, love who you are. It’s acceptable!
Cheers to a healthy you!
REFERENCES
Garcia-Garcia D. (2022) Health Promotion and Hydration: A Systematic Review About Hydration Care. Florence Nightingale J Nurs.; 30(3):310-321. doi:
10.5152/FNJN.2022.21313. PMID: 36106814; PMCID: PMC9623173.
Malhotra A, Mars JA, Baker J.(2025). Group Therapy. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549812/
Smith AP, Richards G. (2018) Energy drinks, caffeine, junk food, breakfast, depression and academic attainment of secondary school students. Journal of Psychopharmacology;32(8):893-899. doi:10.1177/0269881118783314
Trombetta et al. (2022). Influenza Viruses and Vaccines: The Role of Vaccine Effectiveness Studies for Evaluation of the Benefits of Influenza Vaccines.
Vaccines (Basel);10(5):714. doi: 10.3390/vaccines10050714. PMID: 35632470;PMCID:PMC9143275
Watson NF, Badr MS, et al. (2015). Joint consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society on the recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult: methodology and discussion. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
https://www.infofinland.fi/en/health/mental-health#heading-eebbf7f1-05d2-4fc9-99ae-36a16c694fdc