Sleep and exercise benefits for students
Sleep
Sleep is important for your mental and physical health. Prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, mood changes, stress, and difficulty concentrating. Making sleep a priority will help you be a better student. Sleep is also vital for consolidating memories.¹
Tips for better sleep1
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule and develop a routine to help your body and mind relax.
- Avoid blue light from TV, phones, and computers at least one hour before bed.
- Don’t watch TV, study, or eat in bed.
- Create a caffeine cut off time. Consuming caffeine too close to bedtime can impact your sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and eating too close to bedtime, which can disrupt the quality of your sleep.
Exercise
Exercise helps you to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.² Aerobic exercise can help with thinking, learning, and recalling information. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress.
How to develop an exercise program2
- Focus on the short-term benefits of exercise that enhance your daily life such as more energy, decreased stress, and improved mood. These short-term benefits will help keep you motivated and make it easier to build lasting habits.
- Start small. You don’t have to jump into an intense exercise program. Start with something manageable and work your way up.
- Be consistent. Working out consistently is far better than doing one big work and then not working out again for weeks.
- Find a work out buddy. If you struggle with working out on your own, find a friend or family member who will work out with you. If you don’t have anyone to work out with, try using YouTube videos where someone is telling you what to do next.
Need more support?
Online success coaches offer personalized support to help you clarify and achieve your goals, reflect on your habits, and overcome challenges.