Student Well-Being

The well-being of students has become a major focus of education in recent years, with research
indicating that academic success can be put at risk when academic challenges make it difficult
for students to cope with physiological and mental challenges. A number of colleges and
universities have adopted programs that teach students how to handle stress and improve their
well-being. For students who are struggling with the transition from college to the working world,
this may be an important step. While it is important to try to help students feel less overwhelmed
by classwork, it can be equally important to prepare them mentally and physically for the rigors
of the workforce. Here are a few ways that students can improve their health:

• Get physically fit – The average college student is just under 5′ 10″ in height, but many college
  students are much taller than that. Students who get regular physical activity are more likely to
  stay in shape when they head off to college and will reap the benefits for the rest of their lives.
  Exercising on a regular basis helps students deal with stress and builds confidence. The act of
  moving around puts students in control of their health and well-being.
• Speak up – Every student needs to be encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns in
  classes and on campus. If students feel safe and respected as students, they are less likely to
  be afraid to voice their opinions on campus and in class. This applies to issues that affect their
  physical health and well-being, as well as issues that affect other students (such as sexual
  harassment or bullying). If students are careful to listen to others and speak up when they are
  ready to speak up, they will be able to thrive in a free environment. This same approach can
  also benefit their mental well-being, as well as their emotional well-being.
• Healthy eating – Even if students are aware of the link between physical activity and good health,
  they often do not engage in the physical activity needed to maintain a healthy diet. Taking a
  balanced meal every day is crucial to physical and mental health. Students who eat a healthy
  diet are more likely to be physically active and have greater self-confidence. They also
  experience fewer headaches, blisters, joint pain and heartburn.
• Physical education – In the United States, many schools lack a strong program that promotes
  physical education. This is especially true for students who are quite inactive during the day.
  Lack of physical activity has been correlated to poor health and low self-confidence. Regular
  exercise can improve mood, decrease body fat and increase energy levels while reducing stress.
• Emotional well-being – Being happy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and students
  should be encouraged to take steps to foster happiness. One of the ways this can be achieved is
  through a program that encourages students to talk about their day and share how they feel.
  Students who are able to share their feelings are more likely to take steps to better themselves
  and achieve overall wellness.