The Importance of Prioritizing Health in College: 100 Ways JMU Students Can Stay Well
College life can be demanding, stressful, and overwhelming. Between juggling classes, extracurricular activities, socializing, and work, it’s easy for students to neglect their health and wellbeing. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to achieving academic success and enjoying a fulfilling college experience. At James Madison University, there are countless ways for students to prioritize their health and wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore 100 ways JMU students can stay well, from exercise and nutrition to mental health and sleep hygiene.
Physical Health
1. Join a sports team or club to stay active and meet new people.
2. Utilize the UREC facilities, including the gym, pool, and group fitness classes.
3. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as walking or biking to class.
4. Take breaks from studying to stretch and move your body.
5. Practice good posture to prevent back and neck pain.
6. Get a fitness tracker to monitor your daily activity and set goals.
7. Try out a new type of exercise, such as yoga or rock climbing.
8. Get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the JMU campus.
9. Set up a workout routine with a friend to hold each other accountable.
10. Invest in comfortable shoes to prevent foot and ankle injuries.
Nutrition
11. Plan out your meals and snacks in advance to prevent unhealthy choices.
12. Utilize the dining halls’ resources to choose balanced meals.
13. Keep healthy snacks on hand for when you’re on-the-go.
14. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
15. Limit your intake of processed and sugary foods.
16. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
17. Experiment with healthy and flavorful recipes to keep meals interesting.
18. Take advantage of the farmers’ market on campus for fresh, locally-grown produce.
19. Utilize nutrition resources on campus, such as the Registered Dietitian at the Health Center.
20. Avoid skipping meals, as it can lead to overeating later on.
Mental Health
21. Connect with a therapist or counselor at the Counseling Center for support.
22. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation or breathing exercises.
23. Take breaks from social media and technology to unplug and de-stress.
24. Join a student organization or club to connect with like-minded peers.
25. Set realistic goals and prioritize tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
26. Develop a self-care routine, such as taking a bath or reading a book.
27. Reach out to friends or family for support during tough times.
28. Use the JMU mindfulness app to practice mindfulness on-the-go.
29. Create a positive and supportive environment in your living space.
30. Practice self-compassion and avoid negative self-talk.
Sleep Hygiene
31. Create a consistent sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
32. Develop a pre-bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
33. Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening, as it can disrupt sleep.
34. Use apps or tools to track your sleep and identify patterns.
35. Invest in comfortable bedding and a supportive mattress.
36. Keep your sleeping space cool and dark to promote restful sleep.
37. Avoid using electronics in bed, as the blue light can interfere with sleep.
38. Take naps as needed, but limit them to no more than 30 minutes.
39. Avoid sleeping in on the weekends, as it can disrupt your sleep schedule.
40. Practice relaxing activities, such as reading or listening to calming music, before bed.
Social Health
41. Make time for socializing and connecting with friends.
42. Join a club or organization that aligns with your interests.
43. Explore the Harrisonburg community and attend local events.
44. Attend JMU sporting events and cheer on our Dukes.
45. Utilize the JMU library to study with friends or collaborate on projects.
46. Volunteer with a local organization to give back to the community.
47. Attend on-campus events and lectures to expand your knowledge and meet new people.
48. Plan weekend trips or outings with friends to explore the area.
49. Connect with JMU alumni or professionals in your field of study.
50. Be open to trying new things and meeting new people.
Sexual Health
51. Utilize resources at the Student Health Center, such as STI testing.
52. Practice safe sex by using condoms and other forms of protection.
53. Educate yourself on the risks and responsibilities of sexual activity.
54. Communicate with your partner about your boundaries and needs.
55. Consider the emotional and physical consequences of sexual activity.
56. Utilize resources on campus, such as the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center.
57. Explore your own values and beliefs around sex and sexuality.
58. Be aware of the signs of sexual assault and harassment.
59. Practice self-care and seek support if you have experienced sexual violence.
60. Understand your legal rights and responsibilities around sexual activity.
Academic Health
61. Develop a study plan and stick to it to avoid procrastination.
62. Utilize academic resources on campus, such as the Writing Center or Math Center.
63. Attend office hours with professors to get feedback and support.
64. Join a study group to collaborate and learn from others.
65. Stay organized with a planner or digital tools.
66. Use technology to your advantage, such as online resources and study aids.
67. Take breaks and prioritize rest to avoid burnout.
68. Practice effective note-taking and studying techniques.
69. Utilize library resources, such as research databases and study spaces.
70. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Environmental Health
71. Reduce your energy usage by turning off lights and unplugging electronics.
72. Utilize public transportation or carpool when possible.
73. Recycle and reduce waste in your living space.
74. Connect with groups on campus that focus on environmental sustainability.
75. Incorporate sustainable practices into your daily routine, such as bringing a reusable water bottle.
76. Use eco-friendly products, such as non-toxic cleaning supplies.
77. Grow your own herbs or vegetables to reduce your carbon footprint.
78. Avoid excessive use of water, such as taking shorter showers.
79. Learn about environmental issues and stay informed on current events.
80. Advocate for environmental policies and initiatives on campus.
Financial Health
81. Create a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending.
82. Seek out scholarship and funding opportunities.
83. Utilize resources on campus, such as the Career and Academic Planning Center, to plan for future expenses.
84. Avoid excessive student debt by considering cheaper options, such as attending community college.
85. Save money by purchasing used textbooks or renting them.
86. Avoid using credit cards to pay for non-essential items.
87. Plan for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies.
88. Consider a part-time job or work-study program to earn extra income.
89. Seek out financial advice from an expert, such as a financial planner.
90. Be mindful of spending habits and seek support if struggling with financial stress.
Spiritual Health
91. Explore your own spiritual beliefs and practices.
92. Attend religious services or events on campus.
93. Connect with spiritual communities and groups at JMU.
94. Practice meditation or prayer to connect with a higher power.
95. Read spiritual texts or literature to expand your knowledge.
96. Volunteer with a local spiritual organization to give back to the community.
97. Utilize the resources of the JMU Spiritual Life Center.
98. Connect with other students who share similar spiritual beliefs.
99. Practice gratitude and appreciation for the world around you.
100. Be open to learning about and respecting the spiritual beliefs of others.
Conclusion
Prioritizing health and wellbeing in college is essential for academic success and overall happiness. By utilizing the resources available at James Madison University, including UREC, the Counseling Center, and academic support services, students can take proactive steps towards maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether it’s joining a sports team, practicing relaxation techniques, or exploring their own spiritual beliefs, JMU students have countless ways to stay well. By incorporating healthy habits into their daily routines, students can not only succeed academically but enjoy a fulfilling and enjoyable college experience.
