THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT DETERMINE YOUR HEALTH

As students, we sometimes act like our bodies are rechargeable lanterns. You know, use it all day, plug it in overnight, and it should work perfectly tomorrow. Sadly, health doesn’t work like that. It’s the foundation for everything else. Academics, productivity, mood, and even how you end up graduating.  Good health is underrated, until you lose it, and then realise that you can’t do anything without it.

So, what are the most important factors that determine your health as a student? Let’s break it down:

1.      Nutrition:

No, Indomie with veggies is not a balanced diet. Your body needs real fuel: carbs, proteins, vitamins, fruits, and vegetables. Eating well keeps your brain sharp for any surprises to come. Believe me, you are what you eat.

2.      Hydration:

Water is life, literally.  But many of you think that you can cheat ‘yourselves’. You can survive a whole day without water but can’t survive two hours without chilled Coke. Well-done!  Drinking enough water keeps your body functioning, aids digestion, and even helps with concentration.

3.      Sleep:

As a student, there’s this idea that automatically lives rent free in your head. The idea that sleep is optional. Like it’s a luxury. That is very wrong. Sleep is a necessity. If you pull all nighters regularly, without finding time to actually sleep, you’d blame yourself when your body crashes eventually. Quality sleep boosts memory, concentration, and even your mood, because let’s be honest, lack of sleep is why some people hiss at every little thing in class.

4.      Physical Exercise:

No, you don’t need to pay for a fancy gym subscription. Simple activities like trekking to class, jogging, or even dancing in your room all count as exercise. Regular physical activity keeps your heart healthy, your weight in check, and your stress levels low. In short, sweat small today so you won’t sweat big at the health centre tomorrow.

5.      Mental Health:

It’s not just about the body. Your mind plays a huge role in your health also. Stress, anxiety, and overthinking can affect your performance. Talking to friends, journaling, praying, or seeking professional help (if needed) can help you maintain balance. Remember, “No gree for anybody” doesn’t mean bottling up emotions.

Why does all this matter?

Your health determines how well you learn, how you perform in exams, and even how you interact socially. Nobody enjoys being sick in the middle of exam season, but trust me, that’ll be your cup of tea if you don’t make the necessary amends. Start healthy practices today.

Let’s keep it simple, no pressure; you can start with a daily reminder to drink at least 6-8 cups of water every day, then make it a habit to eat some fruit at least once a day, and make sure to sleep at least 6 hours a day. Let’s start from there. Later, we’ll look at how to change that your rice and stew to rice and beans with stew!