Staying Healthy At Community College, Cornell or Harvard

For most community college transfer students, physical and mental health is not at the top of their list of priorities.

You are likely more concerned with getting the community college classes you need to transfer to Ivy League, keeping up with your studies, and making new friends on campus.

Although you might be worried about the notorious freshman fifteen, you are probably bogged down with more pressing concerns.

Plus, you likely have yet to experience the ill effects of an extended sleep deficit that older adults are all too familiar with (enjoy the energy of youth while you can!).

However, failing to address matters of physical and mental health during your time in community college can lead to hardships that jeopardize your ability to perform academically.

If you want to avoid this outcome, here are 5 simple ways you can take to address the state of your physical and mental health.

1. Diet and exercise.

This one is easy, despite what you may think.

You know, for example, that grabbing a banana or apple is healthier (and lower-calorie) than hitting up the vending machine when you want a snack.

Try to develop a diet that consists mainly of lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and veggies and you're going to feel a lot better physically.

And if you're not the type to exercise on your own, get friends together for pick-up games after class.

You can also save some money and address your physical fitness by hiking or biking instead of using motorized transportation.

2. R&R.

Most students who want to transfer from community college to Ivy League find themselves burning the candle at both ends whether they want to or not, but you should know that both rest and relaxation are essential to good health.

When you're not getting enough sleep, for example, it can cause all kinds of issues with your bodily systems and your brain function.

You could suffer digestive problems, aches and pains, fatigue, and an inability to focus or retain information.

None of this is good news for your college experience.

But if you are overwhelmed by stress you could have even worse trouble, both physically and mentally.

So make sure you're getting enough sleep and taking time-outs to de-stress.

This will keep you healthy, happy, and prepared to tackle any challenge you face.

3. Scheduling.

A hectic life is a sure way to amp up the stress level in your life, so plan a schedule that includes classes, study time, and any other obligations (clubs, a job, etc.).

Then add blocks of time for fun and fitness to strike a balance.

4. Download Skype.

Part of being healthy and happy is staying in touch with the ones you love.

So whether you're staying at home or moving to another city for school, Skype can help you to stay connected to family and friends in other locales.

5. See your doctors.

Hitting up your doctor's office for a physical once a year and seeing your dentist for cleanings twice a year is a great way to ensure optimal physical health.

For students that have trouble squeezing in regular doctor's visits there are options for at-home tests (urine, blood, and saliva test kits, for example) that may be sent in for analysis in lieu of an in-office visit, although this won't take the place of a physical examination.

And for students that need someone to talk to about problems (mental or emotional), seeing a therapist regularly isn't a bad idea.

Sometimes these services are available on campus to help students in need, and often there are hotlines that provide a similar service for crisis situations.

The onus is on you to get the help you need, so don't neglect yourself in this regard.