30 Wellness Tips for College Students
It's not easy being a student — it can feel overwhelming to juggle your homework, clubs, internships, social life, and planning for your future, much less your own physical and mental health.
Recent studies show that depression and anxiety among college students are higher than ever, and more students are reporting seeking mental health services. Just remember that you're not in this alone, and your campus advisors, health professionals, and counselors are there for a reason: to assist you with your wellness and learning experience.
Aside from seeking professional help, there are day-to-day strategies that can help you manage feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout. We rounded up 30 wellness tips specifically for college students to help you stay on track and feel better and more energized day to day.
Student Discount: Students can get one free month of Alo Moves, Alo's award-winning wellness app with guided workout programs, Pilates, yoga, meditations, self-care classes, and more. After that, it's only $5/month until you graduate. You'll also get 20% off your next Alo Yoga in-app purchase.
Avoid all-night study sessions. It might seem tempting to pull an all-nighter, but lack of sleep can cause issues with your cognitive functioning — aka memory and focus, all things you need to actually pass your exams. Consider all-nighters the emergency brake you need to pass classes, but don't make it a habit. Instead, cut out other activities or create a better time management plan if you find yourself burning the midnight oil more often than not.
Create a calming sleep space. Make sure your bedroom (or your side of the bedroom) is a haven for peaceful sleep. A few tips: Keep your room cold, use a sleep mask or earplugs if you have roommates or are in a dorm, and try sleep meditations to help you drift off.
Focus on eating fresh food throughout the day. Occasional indulgences and fast food are fine, but keep the bulk of your diet focused on fresh, unprocessed food to give yourself the fuel and energy you need. Don't skip meals, and make sure to keep fresh snacks around to keep you going when you need an extra boost. Check out our Dr. Approved Grocery List class from Dr. Amy Shah on Alo Moves.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Keep a large water bottle with you wherever you go. 64 oz. a day is a good number to aim for, but your personal needs may vary.
Schedule your workouts in your calendar. Treat these like a class or job you can't miss. Even 10 minutes of movement a day can make a difference in your physical and mental health. Try our 10-Minute Tune Up playlist of workouts on Alo Moves.
Try daily meditation to manage anxiety. Meditating isn't about clearing your thoughts (which, as we know, is not very achievable sometimes). It's about the daily practice of taking quiet space for yourself to focus on your breath. There are so many physical, psychological, and social benefits of meditation, especially for busy students. Try a guided meditation on Alo Moves to get started.
Work out with friends to make it social. When time is limited, combining your fitness and friendship is a win-win for everyone. Head to the gym, the campus green, or each others' rooms for a fun 10-minute partner workout.
Walk as much as you can. If walking is an option for you, go the extra mile when you have time to save money on transportation, save the planet, and boost your steps for the day. We've also got walking workouts and walking meditations on Alo Moves to guide your way.
Join a club and find your people. If meeting new people makes you nervous, clubs give you a common interest point to guide your conversation and connect you to people in your major.
Keep a gratitude journal. Research shows that gratitude journaling can help you feel more optimistic. Keep the anxious thoughts at bay with these gratitude journaling prompts.
Try a pre-sleep worry dump. Sleep specialist Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell recommends writing down your worries before bed as a nightly ritual. Learn more about brain dumping in her series, The Art of Sleep.
Start a strength training program. Strength training is great for improving muscle mass, bone density, heart health, brain health, and so much more. If you're new to strength training, try our 4-Week Strength Starter program that you can take at your campus gym.
Take time for stretching and yoga. Balance strength with ease in a yoga class, which can improve your flexibility, balance, and body awareness, among other amazing benefits. We love this 20-minute yoga program for beginners.
Spend time in the sun (with sunscreen). Studies show adults aged 18 to 29 have an equal to greater risk of Vitamin D deficiency than older adults, especially during winter. If you're feeling lower than usual, go for a walk in the sun or talk to your doctor about taking Vitamin D supplements. Low Vitamin D can cause fatigue, muscle aches, and mood changes.
Guard your immunity. Wash your hands often, avoid sharing drinks, wear flip flops in common bathroom areas, get adequate nutrients, and prioritize your sleep.
Do at least one act of self-care a day. You can make this activity part of your morning or evening routine. Consider journaling, reading affirmations, doing your favorite hobbies, or dancing or singing to your favorite music.
Set a standing phone date to call family or old friends. If you're living away from from home, staying connected to the people you know and love can ground you in times of stress and provide support when you need a listening ear.
Stretch while you watch your shows. Roll out your mat or spread out on your bed with your laptop to make the most of your screen time.
Take regular study breaks. While you rest your brain, take time to walk around, eat a snack, clean up your space, or take a study-break stretch.
Find an accountability buddy. Whether you're trying to stick to a workout routine, develop good study habits, or need a standing social event to keep you feeling good, identify one reliable person in your life who is also looking for the same thing and be there for each other.
Separate your work and study zones. Leave studying for your desk, the library, or spaces outside of your bed. Keep your bed as a sacred space so your brain associates that zone with rest.
Give yourself a spa day. You don't have to spend a ton of money to make this a reality. Whether it's a weekly or monthly date with yourself, take time to focus on your self-care. Take an "everything shower," do your nails, try dry brushing or gua sha, and relax with your favorite music, shows, or podcasts. You can also turn your room into an at-home yoga studio to bring in relaxing vibes.
Reach out for help when you need it. If you need to talk to someone, seek out counseling services through your university or talk to a trusted friend. If you're struggling in a class, look into your instructor's office hours, on-campus tutoring, or starting a study group with your classmates. If you're having issues with basic needs such as food or housing, contact your student services department. There are people there to help you, so don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Stick to a regular schedule. There are psychological benefits to having a routine. Sticking to a structured schedule will keep you motivated and productive while reducing stress and listlessness. Write down the things that MUST happen every week in your calendar — classes, jobs, etc. Then add in time for exercise, self-care, and a wind-down routine.
Boost your mood with cardio. You can lift your energy (and heart rate) in only 10 minutes. Try one of these at-home cardio workouts.
Do a posture reset. Long hours at your desk, in lectures, and at your phone can cause some serious neck and back tension. Here are a few stretches you can do to improve your posture.
Feeling off? Try cycle syncing. Matching your workouts and wellness practices to the phases of your cycle might sound overwhelming, so we created a beginner's guide to cycle syncing to break it down for you.
Try mind-mapping as a brain dump. If you're having trouble organizing your thoughts or getting focused, lay out all your ideas on paper with this mind-mapping trick for stress relief.
Relax with an at-home reiki session. If you're new to energy healing, try this at-home reiki meditation to release the layers of stress and anxiety.
Make time for FUN. Yes, passing classes and graduating is serious business. But having fun is essential for managing your stress, staying healthy, and helping you feel connected to yourself and your community. Most of us only do this college thing once, so make the most of your time by enjoying the moment.