Starting university is an incredible time of life, filled with new experiences and opportunities. However, with so much to see and do, all while rubbing shoulders with countless people, it’s easy to become ill or run down. To help you stay fresh during freshers, we’ve popped together some top wellbeing tips.
Please drink responsibly
You’ll have heard this on every alcohol advert ever and it really is excellent advice. We totally understand that you’ve left home and suddenly have access to tons of social events, but drinking too much and too often will take its toll in more ways than one. Aside from the obvious hangovers, excessive alcohol consumption has an effect on your organs, concentration levels, mood and even your skin, so try not to go overboard.
Another good recommendation is to have a half pint of water between each alcoholic drink and have some painkillers ready for the morning. A refreshing and detoxifying smoothie for breakfast will also go a long way to aiding a swift recovery.
Keep active
Universities have lots of sports clubs and societies to choose from, so consider joining one or two in order to get regular exercise. Other simple habits that you can incorporate into your daily routine are walking to the campus and back, taking the stairs instead of the lift, and going to the gym with friends to a schedule that fits around your studies.
Eat well
Ahh, uni life – you’re allowed to eat pizza and sweets whenever you like! Still, whilst comfort food is great, it can play havoc with your health even at a young age, leading to sluggishness and lack of focus. We’re not saying that you shouldn’t enjoy a takeaway with friends and some naughty snacks when you fancy them, but try to always buy fruit and veg when you do your shopping.
Many supermarkets have great offers on healthy ingredients too, so make time for some homemade meals as often as possible. Cooking with your housemates can also be a great way to get to know each other, plus it can be loads of fun. If in doubt, the StudentBeans website has some mouth-watering recipes that certainly won’t break the bank. Another tip is to buy frozen veg, as this will last for ages.
Factor in regular me time
Socialising is awesome and an important part of university, yet you also need to put aside time just for you. Whether it’s having a cheeky Netflix binge or, even better, reading for pleasure then popping out for some fresh air, the art of switching off and enjoying the moment will really help you to stay relaxed and mentally in control.
Make sure your body is fully stocked
The human body needs a balance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to function efficiently. A vitamin tablet washed down with a pint of water first thing in the morning is an excellent start, plus getting plenty of fibre and other natural goodness through a balanced diet will keep you full of energy. Other supplements can also help, but make sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Sleep is so important
Whoever said that sleep is for the weak must have bags under their eyes the size of the big blue ones you get from Ikea. A good night’s slumber enables your body and mind to recharge and fix any small problems that may have arisen, such as aches, stiffness, lethargy and low mood. Ensuring that you always get the right amount of sleep is imperative to a healthy first year – too little will leave you shattered, and too much can cause you to feel a bit lifeless.
The amount of sleep that the average student requires is between eight and nine hours a night. This won’t always be possible due to assignments, revision and partying, but the more often you get your full quota of zeds, the better you’ll feel throughout the semester.
Get in touch
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