Completing a degree can help you meet new people and make memories that will last a lifetime, too. You can join outdoor programs, sign up for clubs at your university, and spend the breaks between semesters partying with friends or volunteering for charitable causes.

However, college isn’t without its risks. As a student, you may pick up a few unhealthy habits like burning the midnight candle, abusing caffeine, or eating high-calorie, unhealthy foods. While this may work in the short term, it can have a lasting negative impact on your health if you fail to address unhealthy habits soon.

Screen Time

Gone are the days of textbooks and physical papers. Nowadays, as a college student, you’ll complete a large portion of your tuition online via e-learning portals that coincide with your classroom activities. While this is much more convenient than having to print off papers and carry heavy textbooks, it will cause your screen time to increase dramatically over the course of a semester. Unfortunately, too much screen time can cause issues like:

• Disrupted circadian rhythm (meaning you may not get enough sleep)
• Slows your metabolism (leading to unwanted weight gain)
• Causes muscle atrophy and cardiovascular issues
• Increases your risk of anxiety or depression

Put simply, all that screen time can add up and diminish your quality of life. However, counteracting high screen time can be tricky if you’re taking a full course load and need to stay on top of your studies. Rather than letting screens rule your life, try taking positive steps like:

• Setting time limits on devices
• Pursue hobbies that take you away from your phone or laptop
• Take regular breaks from the screen if you notice that your usage is out of control

Cutting down your screen time can greatly improve your quality of life and help you make healthier lifestyle choices that support your long-term health and wellness.

Lifestyle Choices

Your college years are supposed to represent a time of growth and maturation that will serve you well in the years to come. However, many students actually develop unhealthy habits that undermine their health. Some of the most common unhealthy habits include:

• Poor Sleep: Failing to get 8-10 hours of rest will impair your concentration and undermine your long-term health.
• Diet: As a college student, you’re likely eating on a budget. However, that doesn’t mean you should binge eat cheap, unhealthy foods like pizza, burgers, and other fast foods.
• Alcohol Abuse: Drinking to excess impairs your health and undermines your executive functioning. This can lead to overeating unhealthy foods and will certainly interfere with your academic progress.
• Sedentary Studies: Sitting and studying for prolonged periods is necessary for your health. However, you still need to get up and move if you want to stay healthy and avoid chronic conditions associated with inactivity.

Take proactive steps to protect your health and form better habits by getting enough sleep and eating a balanced, budget-friendly diet. Remember to break up those intense study sessions with plenty of walking, too, as most people need around 10,000 steps per day to remain healthy and happy.

Stress and Self-Esteem

Stress has become an epidemic for college students. Today, millions of students are experiencing heightened stress due to factors like global conflict and uncertainty about the future. This, in addition to typical stressors like coursework and tests, can put a real strain on people’s well-being and may undermine your academic progress.

You may also experience heightened stress and lower self-esteem due to increased social pressure while living on campus. This can be particularly perilous if you spend a lot of time connecting with friends on social media. While your social media account may grow quickly while at university, the harmful effects of social media misuse include:

• Pressure to lose weight and fit an unrealistic body image
• Cyberbullying
• Distortion of features due to filters
• Diminishing self-esteem due to constant comparison to others

Take control of your stress and boost your self-esteem by avoiding social media accounts that diminish your confidence or promote unrealistic standards. Reducing the amount of time you spend on social media can help you partake in stress-busting activities like:

• Engaging in regular exercise
• Utilizing mindfulness techniques
• Speaking to a therapist who can help you improve your mood
• Creating a schedule to improve your time management

Conclusion

College is a defining period of your life. You’ll make plenty of new friends and will learn important life lessons that serve you well for years to come. However, for college to be a success, you’ll need to sidestep potential health hazards like developing unhealthy routines or abusing alcohol. Foregrounding your health and wellness will improve your academic progress, too, as you’re sure to perform better when you’re well-rested and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

SEE ALSO: Great Business Ideas to Start While in College

The post Hidden Health Hazards: What College Students Need to Know appeared first on College News.

As you traverse the halls of your college campus, remember that now is as perfect a time as any to make an impact. While you face unique challenges when you’re in college, you can take steps to adapt and contribute toward a more sustainable future — for yourself and the entire planet.

The Importance of Addressing Climate Change on Campus

College is an educational environment in which budding professionals seek to innovate and expand the world as we know it. This opportunity for in-depth exploration into climate science, policy, and sustainability is unmatched. As a student, you have the chance to gain a keen awareness of the interconnectedness between the environment and socioeconomic systems — guiding you to make a difference using your specialized skills. On-campus researchers can provide you with the mentorship and resources necessary to further your climate action goals.

Furthermore, the sheer volume of students and reach of college connections allows for the amplification of voices for change. Living and working on a connected campus allows you and other students to have sway over how things are run. Ideally, you can champion eco-friendly choices in your peers and the institution, at large.

Climate Challenges Faced by College Students

Colleges and universities have long-standing practices in place that may be hard to change. This makes it challenging for individuals to adhere to rules while trying to make sustainable lifestyle choices. Not to mention, the stress of paper deadlines, studying for exams, and navigating new social networks can trump your motivation to take climate action. Similarly, environmental issues can add to your long list of stressors.

Amidst all of this, you may experience interruptions in your education due to increasingly extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and intense heat waves. Health risks like air and water pollution can further complicate your newly found freedom. Plus, college students typically have a limited budget, peer pressure to follow trends, and predetermined meals. In the face of these challenges, though, you can be climate-conscious easier than it appears at first glance.

Sustainable Solutions and Strategies

Extenuating circumstances abound in college environments. However, there are also instruments in place that will work in your favor. From public transportation options to climate education opportunities, it’s important to use the resources your college gives you to your advantage to aid sustainability efforts.

Education and Awareness

College is inherently a time for discovery and growth. Navigating your academic journey will teach you a lot about yourself and your values, as well as give you the resources you need to learn about climate science and policy. You can be proactive about this by signing up for sustainability-focused courses, attending climate lectures, and reading research papers by your peers. As you progress in your college career, you can even get involved with climate research and innovation.

Advocacy and Activism

Further, you can get involved in campus clubs and groups to campaign for climate action or join climate strikes. Youth-centered activism has a profound impact when looking to raise awareness and change governmental policies. You can also make a difference on a granular level, urging your institution to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure. As weather becomes more extreme and pollutants become rampant, it’s in your college’s best interest to protect its students. Solar panels, green roofs, and water harvesting systems are some innovative ways to reduce pollutants and lower your college’s carbon footprint, boosting its reputation.

Future potential applicants will likely take note of the eco-conscious actions taken by the school. This innovation is helpful for everyone, including the college itself. Emergency preparedness at college is important to keep students and staff safe during extreme weather events but also serves as a model for other institutions to take similar action.

Personal Lifestyle Changes

Climate issues can also affect your lifestyle and personal effects. For example, if you have an on-campus car, extreme weather can damage your vehicle. Loose tree limbs can fall in storms, debris can hit your windshield, or increased heat and cold can lead to faster deterioration and more maintenance needs. Try to be proactive by parking in a covered garage or using a car cover.

Even better, you can use public transportation or carpool to class to reduce emissions. Biking and walking are also great options that lower your carbon footprint and model positive behavior for other students. In your dorm and on campus, try to conserve energy where you can by flipping off lights and air conditioning when you aren’t using them. Whenever possible, avoid purchasing single-use plastics, throwing away old tech, and partaking in fast fashion. You can even rent second-hand textbooks. Eco-friendly choices in college can be tough, but you can identify opportunities with a keen eye and creative outlook.

Eco-Friendly Colleges and Citizens of the Future

By taking advantage of college resources and the innovative environment it provides, you can take strides toward a more eco-friendly world. As a student, you can offer new perspectives on climate solutions and advocate for creative ways to reduce waste and help the environment during this global crisis.

SEE ALSO: Efficient Home Study Hacks for College Students

The post Navigating Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions for College Students appeared first on College News.