How to Look After Your Physical and Mental Health as a Student

If you have decided to take the plunge and go into further education, it’s important that you’re in the right frame of mind before getting started. With mountains of coursework and examinations awaiting many students, the pressure of keeping on top of it all can be too much.

Putting yourself first and taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing is what will help you stay on track with your learning and achieve the best grades possible. If you’re worried about how you’re going to cope with student life, here are a few things you can do to look after your physical and mental health throughout your course.

6 Habits to Look After Your Physical and Mental Health as a Student

Get Enough Sleep

If you have lectures and seminars to attend first thing in the morning, it’s important that you’ve had enough sleep to ensure you feel full of energy and ready to get stuck into your learning. Many of us have difficulty falling asleep, which can have a huge impact on our performance the next day, so if you’re struggling to get enough shuteye, there are lots of tips that you can try out which can help you relax and unwind before hitting the hay.



Your body needs the time to repair itself and be fit and ready for another day of learning, so getting adequate rest is crucial. What’s more, having a good amount of sleep may help to prevent heart disease, weight gain, and fight off any infections or illnesses.

Bottom line, if you aren't getting enough sleep, read these sleeping tips.

Eat Healthier

We are what we eat, so if your diet is full of processed foods full of fat, salt, and sugar, you can’t expect to perform at your best when studying. As a student, getting a takeaway may be more convenient, however, the more junk food you consume, the more lethargic you will feel.

If you have a busy day of lectures and revision to do, it’s important that you eat foods packed with protein that will leave you feeling fuller for longer. Your diet should also be filled with plenty of vitamins and nutrients which will help look after your body. Make sure that you’re eating fresh fruit and vegetables each day too. While it can be hard to make sudden dietary changes, your body will thank you in the long run.

Regular Exercise

If you’re spending most of your time sat down studying, it’s important that you take some time to get outdoors and get some fresh air in your lungs. Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can give you tons of benefits, both for your physical and mental health. These include reducing your risk of having a heart attack, helping you manage your weight better, lowering your blood pressure, as well as having stronger bones, joints, and muscles.

Finding the time for exercise can be tough, especially if you have other commitments such as work, so instead of thinking that you have to join a gym to get the full benefits, there are plenty of exercises that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Taking 30 minutes out of your day to do some exercise can make all the difference and help keep your body in tip-top condition.

Stay Hydrated

If you’re a student that’s always on the go, it’s crucial that you drink plenty of fluids like water to help regulate body temperature, deliver nutrients to cells, as well as keep your organs functioning at their best. Keeping hydrated can also improve your quality of sleep, boost your mood, and keep your joints lubricated. If you’re the type of student who reaches for an energy drink, while you may get a sudden burst of energy, you will end up feeling run down and tired before you know it. Instead, it’s best to stick with water that will keep you feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.



To make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, you should pack a water bottle with you that you can top up throughout the day. Your body depends on water to survive, so it’s advised to ditch beverages full of sugar.

Take a Break

If you have a piece of coursework due in, or you’re studying for an exam, you may find that all your time is being taken up with revising and studying. If you are pushing yourself too hard, you may burn out quicker than you thought, which can put a halt on your learning and steer you off track, therefore, taking regular breaks as a student is important. We all need an escape from time to time, so whether it’s by going to see a friend for catchup, participating in a hobby, or just going outdoors to get some fresh air, you will feel more productive once you’ve had some time out.

Pick the Right Course

If you’re not on the right course, it’s likely that you won’t get the full benefits out of your education. Students need to feel passionate and driven about what they’re studying, so make sure that you do your research into the courses available before signing on the dotted line. Getting an idea of course specifications, fees, and career prospects can help when it comes to making your final decision.

Whether you choose to study at a brick and mortar establishment or pick an online course, knowledge is power, so make sure that you are confident with your decision. For example, if you would like to go far in the nursing world, there is a range of online masters of nursing programs that you can embark on which can teach you the skills you need.

When committing yourself to a course, it’s important that you take good care of your physical and mental health. The last thing you will want is to fall at the first hurdle, especially with the amount of time, effort, and money you’ve put into your education. No matter what sort of field you want to go into after education, make sure that you are in the right mindset before studying, otherwise you won’t be able to fully concentrate and focus on your learning.

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