Wellbeing Wednesday - Back to School: Building Healthy Habits for Success
06 Sep 2023
Heading back to school is an exciting time, and establishing healthy habits can set the foundation for academic success and overall wellbeing. Among these habits, focusing on sleep, exercise, and food can significantly impact our overall wellbeing and learning experience.
Prioritise Quality Sleep
One of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of academic success is getting enough quality sleep. Sleep plays a vital role in cognitive function, memory consolidation, and overall physical and mental health. Here are some tips that could help getting the rest you need:
a. Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock.
b. Create a Bedtime Routine: Establish a calming pre-sleep routine to signal to your body that it is time to wind down. This might include reading, gentle stretching, or meditating.
c. Limit Screen Time: Avoid screens (phones, tablets, computers, and TVs) at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted can interfere with your sleep cycle.
d. Comfortable Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Stay Active
Regular exercise has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine:
a. Find Activities You Enjoy: Whether it is team sports, yoga, jogging, or dancing, find activities that you genuinely enjoy to make staying active a pleasure, not a chore.
b. Schedule Exercise: Allocate time in your daily or weekly schedule for physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days.
c. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to stay hydrated.
d. Get Creative: If you're short on time, incorporate short bursts of physical activity into your day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Nutrition plays a vital role in fueling your body and mind for optimal performance. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy diet:
a. Eat a Variety of Foods: Consume a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
b. Plan Meals and Snacks: Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time to avoid unhealthy impulse eating. Keep healthy snacks on hand for when hunger strikes.
c. Avoid Excessive Junk Food: While occasional treats are fine, try to limit your consumption of sugary, high-fat, and processed foods.
d. Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated, which is essential for concentration and overall health.
Building good habits takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself as you work toward a healthy and successful new school year.
Best wishes,
Mrs Weber