Managing Health in College

Constantly being in an environment where every moment is spent focusing on academics, maintaining a social life, working a job, participating in clubs, and so much more makes it easy to forget what matters most: taking care of yourself. When everything feels urgent, your own health often becomes something you push aside just to get through the day.

People say junior year is the hardest year of both high school and college. I didn’t really believe it—until I found myself slowly losing touch with myself during the first few weeks of the quarter. Managing school, an internship, my social life, and my health felt overwhelming. Everything seemed black and white for a long time. If I spent time doing homework, I felt like I couldn’t work out that day. But if I went to the gym or took time for myself, it felt like it came at the expense of my academics.

When the weight of the world feels heavy, it’s easy to see things this way. But the truth is, you can’t succeed academically or professionally if your health is suffering. You can’t earn the ‘A’ you’re striving for or perform well at the job you worked so hard to get if you’re completely burned out. There is a way to balance these parts of your life so everything doesn’t feel so extreme. While getting good grades and achieving your goals matters, nothing is worth sacrificing your well-being.

Here are a few things that have helped me stay healthy and grounded when everything feels overwhelming.

Things to Remember

  1. Feel your emotions.
    It’s often easier to suppress emotions than to face them, but we’re human. Let yourself cry or feel upset—and then remind yourself that you will get through it.

  2. Nothing is permanent.
    Feelings of anxiety, sadness, and stress don’t last forever. Even when they feel consuming, they will pass.

  3. Give yourself grace.
    You are learning and growing through every experience. If things don’t go as planned or you don’t get the outcome you hoped for, be kind to yourself. There will be more opportunities—but they’re much harder to reach if you neglect your health.

  4. Lean on the people who love you.
    You don’t have to do everything alone.

  5. Take it one day at a time.

Things to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

  • Take a walk

  • Move your body — even a few minutes of movement can help you feel more centered

  • Change your scenery

  • Breathe

  • Journal

  • Write down five things you’re grateful for

    • When stress takes over, it’s easy to lose sight of how much we have. Gratitude helps bring perspective back.

  • Treat yourself — even in small ways

Things to Support Your Health

  • Move your body daily

    • Research shows that movement is incredibly beneficial. Try a new workout class, go on a walk with friends, or stick to your usual routine—even a short session counts.

  • Fuel your body with food that makes you feel good

  • Limit screen time when possible

  • Light a candle and read a book

Maribela Arriaga