College students should set a daily routine to keep healthy

CLEAR LAKE — Iowa’s three public universities start the fall semester on Monday, and a local doctor is suggesting that students concentrate on having a daily routine.

Dr. Kristin Avery of the MercyOne Clear Lake Pediatric and Adolescent Care clinic says students should get a quality amount of sleep.  “I think it’s hard when you go to college because no one is telling you when to go to bed or when to wake up and whatnot. Trying to come up with a consistent bedtime and wake-time is good, especially when kids will have class later and not necessarily at 8:00 AM, but trying to get up at the same time every day is really important. The other things we talk about is trying not to nap during the day, otherwise we won’t be able to go to bed as easy, and avoiding afternoon caffeine. As hard as it is, and I’m sure that no one wants to do that, but avoiding screen time before bedtime can be helpful, otherwise it just tells our brain to stay awake, so it’s good to avoid that as well.”

Avery says students should make a list of their favorite healthy, easy-to-make foods and snacks and get those at the dining hall or the grocery store.  “I think one of the biggest things is remember to eat breakfast every day, and I know some students do not like to do that. So, trying to eat and grab a granola bar or a piece of fruit can be very helpful. Healthy snacks I think include cheese, cheese sticks, peanut butter and apples, avocados, granola bars are better than chips or things like that.  Trying to stick more protein-rich things such as hard-boiled eggs or or the cheeses is a good idea.”

Avery says students should be active instead of just going to class and going back to their room and laying around.  “I think another thing is if you are in high school if you are in sports and whatnot, you kind of have structure, exercise and that, but then you go off to college, and if you aren’t in sporting events, then you kind of lose that structure. You really have to look into what your campus offers and find what you enjoy. Is there a rec center, or even just deciding to walk to class instead of taking the bus, doing some yoga classes and things like that. Finding what your friends are doing and just trying to implement a routine that way.”

Students heading off to college can head to this link where they can read more about how to develop these routines without sacrificing the college experience.