Introduction
The move from high school to college can be difficult for teenagers. At this stage, teenagers are still striving to develop their personalities, leaving them open to negative peer pressures (Hayden, 2022). There is mounting evidence that many university students suffer from poor physical health (Hayden, 2022). The prevalence of psychiatric problems and fatigue is greater among college students than among their community peers. The stage draws a variety of physical and mental health problems that impede seamless integration into university life. Students must understand the importance of physical and mental health to their overall well-being. A healthy mind allows students to interact with others, learn more effectively, and behave appropriately. Therefore, we have a role in stabilizing the environment for these future leaders to make a smooth transition.
Causes of Mental Challenges- Fatigue
College life raises a person’s chance of acquiring physical and mental issues. The chance of getting depressive symptoms, mental illnesses, and other mental problems increases throughout college (Cimini, 2018). Excessive fatigue results from university life’s varied problems, which influence both mental and physical health, like fulfilling academic requirements and deteriorating family relationships (Cimini, 2018). Fatigue leads to poor academic performance, like dropping out of college. It is also linked to various harmful health behaviors, such as excessive alcohol drinking and undesirable weight loss (Bernal-Morales, 2018). There are two forms of fatigue among the student population, which are illness-related and sleep deprivation-related fatigue.
Solution – Physical Exercise
Physical exercise and healthy eating lower the chance of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Even though muscle movement increases an individual’s mental and physical well-being, college students seldom engage in this crucial act (Cimini, 2018). Most college students engage in very little physical exercise as they forget that sporting events may inspire them to engage in intensive physical exercise (Bernal-Morales, 2018). As a result, the drop in student engagement is very concerning. Individuals’ opinion of the importance of intense physical exercise influences their involvement. The value of the physical activity cannot be overstated. Supporting college students to participate in sports improves their mental and physical well-being.
Importance of a healthy mind
Students must maintain stable physical and mental health for them to excel in their studies because the contrast between students that is physically healthy and those undergoing depression is clear. Endorphins are released by students who exercise more, making them feel better and more energized (Warrington, 2018). A healthy mind makes the mind resilient to stress, while mental and physical wellness assists students in creating stronger work ethics. They develop a more desirable existence, while failure to maintain one’s physical and mental well-being causes a range of problems that reduce one’s level of happiness (Housman & Odum, 2022). Teachers can aid in early diagnosis, but college students must be able to maintain their mental and physical health.
Conclusion
Mental and physical health is a critical issue, and the number of students seeking help has increased dramatically at universities. Sleep, exercise, and diet can all help tackle the mounting mental health issue. Students may enhance their general well-being and ability to face the rigors of college by developing healthy behaviors for both the body and mind. Physical activity and a balanced diet reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. As a result, to thrive at university, students must keep their mental and physical well-being. Mentally healthy students are physically healthy students.
References
Bergeron, P. (2021). 5 Common Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace. Shrm. Web.
Bernal-Morales, B. (2018). Health and academic achievement. Intechopen.
Cimini, M. (2018). Promoting behavioral health and reducing risk among college students: a comprehensive approach. Routledge.
Hayden, D. (2022). Examining the relationship among physical activity, stress, depression, and anxiety in college students. Michigan State University.
Housman, J. & Odum, M. (2022). Alters & Schiff essential concepts for healthy living. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Warrington, R. (2018). Sober curious: the blissful sleep, greater focus, eternal presence, and deep connection awaiting us all on the other side of alcohol. HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.