You can’t achieve your career goals if you’re running on empty. Yet across the country, university undergraduates burn the candle from both ends, juggling their personal and academic responsibilities with the newly discovered freedom of college living.
At University of Bridgeport, we work tirelessly to help our students navigate this exciting chapter of their lives. That’s why we’ve gathered some self-care tips and best personal practices for undergrads. Read on to learn how a little self-care can help you get the most out of your college journey.
Tip #1: Don’t Neglect the Basics
Let’s be real — it can be hard to “human” sometimes. With all the personal and professional expectations we strive to meet daily, it’s easy to let the fundamentals of self-care fall by the wayside. To keep up with your self-care, be sure you’re checking the following boxes:
Eating a well-rounded diet
When you’re busy and hungry, what you choose to eat can easily become a matter of convenience over nutrition. But while fast food is quick and easy, a well-rounded meal is what your body and brain need. Aside from the countless health benefits, eating nutritionally rich foods can improve your mental health and brainpower, helping you succeed in your studies.
UB pro tip: If you’re a UB student with limited access to food, we are here to help. UB is home to the Knight’s Pantry, a free student support service that offers a selection of nonperishable foods, toiletries, hygiene products, and other daily essentials.
Staying hydrated
Although the ideal amount of water may vary from person to person, experts generally agree that drinking 6-8 cups of water per day is just what your body needs. Aside from supporting your overall health, staying hydrated aids digestion, improves your mood, and boosts your cognitive functioning. This, in turn, will boost your performance as a student. Remember, caffeinated drinks like coffee and Diet Coke are diuretics, meaning they can increase dehydration. If you’re a caffeine lover – or just relying on your caffeine fix to help get through those assignments – make sure to offset those drinks with an extra glass of water.
Getting enough sleep
Young adults require approximately eight hours of sleep per night. But if you’re a college student, you’re more likely to skimp on those precious hours of rest. It is estimated that over half of college students sleep for less than seven hours per night. By staying well-rested and skipping those all-nighters, you can boost your mood and improve your mental health. Moreover, sleep is proven to increase your memory and focus, meaning a good night’s rest can boost your grades and improve your academic performance.
UB pro tip: If you’re not feeling 100%, UB’s on-campus Student Health Services Center is ready to provide care for minor illnesses and injuries.
Tip #2: Get Out There and Move
It is recommended that adults spend 150 minutes exercising per week, yet less than half of college students follow this recommendation. Aside from supporting your long-term health, getting in a good workout can aid in your studies. By working some movement into your routine, you can improve your mental health, boost your energy, and enjoy a restorative night of sleep.
UB pro tip: If you want to be proactive about your health, get active! Thanks to the newly renovated Wheeler Recreation Center, you don’t even have to leave campus to hit the gym. Our recreation programs aim to promote wellness by integrating body and mind through a variety of sports and activities. Additionally, our campus location right next to Seaside Park offers ample opportunities to run alongside the beautiful Long Island Sound.
Tip #3: Boost Your Mood with a Tidy Room
Although some consider cleaning to be a relaxing way to get organized, many others find it a painstaking chore. Although it might be easy to just give up and embrace the chaos, your messy living space may be affecting your mental state more than you realize. Living in a cluttered space can increase your stress levels and make you feel messy and disorganized yourself, giving way to anxiety and depression. By keeping a neat living space, you maintain a sense of control over your environment and visually reinforce a sense of order and organization, which will help you stay positive, focused, and on-track to achieving your goals.
Learn more about University of Bridgeport’s degree and certificate programs!
Tip #4: Stay Mindful and Mellow
Mindfulness is all about the here and now. By anchoring yourself in the present moment, you can avoid ruminating on the past and worrying about the future, easing the effects of anxiety, stress, and depression. The practice of mindfulness can also help you become less reactive. In other words, mindfulness can help you go with the flow — even in the face of the unexpected.
Mindful thinking can be difficult when you’re dedicated to a long-term goal like higher education, but instead of stressing about the big picture, think about your goal in terms of the here and now. What can you do right now that will help you achieve your goal in the future?
UB pro tip: Anxious about what comes after college? The Heckman Center is also home to the Career Development Center, where you can explore professional resources, discover internship opportunities, review your resume, and receive individualized career counseling.
Tip #5: Establish a Routine…and Stick to It!
The most exciting thing about beginning your undergraduate career is the newfound sense of personal freedom. For the most part, you structure your own schedule and routines.
But personal freedom comes with some responsibility. That’s why we recommend establishing a daily or weekly routine. Aside from keeping your studies on track, maintaining a routine is incredible for your mental health. Routines ease stress and anxiety by creating predictability — allowing you to feel in-control and focused as you go out and tackle the day.
UB pro tip: University of Bridgeport offers Student Support Services geared toward your academic success. Tutoring, advising, mentorship programs, and more are available through the Heckman Center for no additional cost.
Tip #6: Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
The college experience isn’t just about academics. Your years as an undergraduate are a time of self-exploration, wherein you’ll find and harness your unique voice and identity. Whether it’s on or off campus, give yourself time to explore your hobbies and interests.
While you’re exploring your passions, don’t forget to try new things. By stepping outside of your comfort zone, you allow yourself to learn and grow as a person — overcoming fear and anxiety while bolstering your confidence and gaining self-insight.
Tip #7: Immerse Yourself in Campus Culture
Although your undergraduate years are a time of self-exploration, it is also important to stay connected with your college community.
Whereas socializing can relieve stress, boost your mood, and strengthen your memory, ongoing isolation has the opposite effect. Aside from mental health difficulties, social isolation can cause physical health problems like decreased immunity, insomnia, and chronic medical conditions. In fact, recent studies suggest persistent isolation is as harmful to your body as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
By staying connected to others — both on and off campus — you support your overall wellbeing. You might even make acquaintances that blossom into lifelong friendships!
UB pro tip: Looking for new experiences but not sure where to begin? At UB, there’s always something happening. With over 50 student activities and clubs, the opportunities are endless. Learn more about Student Involvement and Activities.
Tip # 8: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If your undergraduate career feels like an uphill battle, don’t give up on yourself. You’re not alone in this — whether it’s from a friend, professor, or staff member, help is always available.
If you’re worried about inconveniencing others by asking for help, you might want to reconsider. According to psychologists, humans are naturally wired helpers, finding immense satisfaction and fulfillment in offering each other guidance. By seeking advice from someone you trust, you can change your mindset, reduce your anxiety, and consider problems from a fresh angle. In doing so, you’ll gain new perspectives and solutions, helping you address whatever issues you may be facing.
UB pro tip: If you’re a student struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health difficulties, help is available right here on campus. Learn more about how Counseling Services can support your mental health.
At UB, #UBelong
At University of Bridgeport, you are our priority. We’re dedicated to guiding our Purple Knights throughout their academic journey, providing comprehensive Student Support Services that will help you reach the finish line and earn the career you’ve dreamed of. Learn more today, or call 1-800-392-3582.