Kennesaw State students should practice self-care to maintain their physical, mental and emotional health.
Maintaining good hygiene is one way students can control the way they see themselves. According to sociologist Sushil Patil, neglecting personal hygiene “perpetuates the problem of poor body image.” If hygiene is not kept up, it will affect our perception of ourselves which can affect our work ethic and motivation.
In a Fox News article, Ellyn Enisman, author of Job Interviews 101, said that “recent graduates may also find that lacking confidence will hinder their search efforts and can keep them from getting hired.”
In short, hygiene can affect the ability to get a job.
Exercising regularly is good for your overall health because it improves respiratory and circulatory health and can help reduce stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.”
According to an article in The Guardian, physical activity can improve mental health, increase the ability to concentrate, boost memory and enhance creativity. Not only are there physical benefits to exercise, but many mental benefits as well.
Health is important because if you are not healthy, you cannot complete all your tasks which will ultimately increase stress and lead to being susceptible to illnesses. Physical illness can be easy to deal with if you take care of it soon.
If something minor, like a cold, is not dealt with in a timely manner, it can turn into pneumonia or something worse. An on-campus clinic is available to all students and provides immunizations, routine exams, lines diagnosis and care for chronic diseases such as asthma.
Taking care of yourself mentally is also important because many college students struggle with depression or anxiety disorders. According to Mental Health America, about “48 percent of college students have attended counseling for mental health concerns.”
KSU provides help for mental illnesses through the Counseling and Psychological Service Center. They provide therapy in group and individual settings, and students can visit locations on either campus during walk-in hours. Mental illness can worsen if left untreated, but taking the step to seek help is vital.
Time will always be an issue for college students, but it is important to put yourself first. When needs are prioritized, students are more likely to succeed and live their best life. Self-care should not just continue throughout college, but it should improve throughout life.
