Seasonal weather transitions come with changes that could impact your physical and mental well-being. As the weather is getting cooler, take action to support your health.

While this article shares some useful advice on how to look after yourself during the Fall semester, consult with a healthcare professional regarding health-related decisions and conditions.

Boosting Immunity

Taking steps to boost your immunity is a great way to feel well this Fall. 

One way to keep your immunity up is by getting enough quality sleep. Another way is by ensuring immunity-supportive intakes. Zinc, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C are all known for immunity support. Zinc can help fight infections by producing immune cells. Vitamin D aids in the activation of cells that eliminate pathogens, and Vitamin C supports the functionality of white blood cells.

Receiving a flu shot and a COVID booster may help support your health during the Fall semester.

Maintaining a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can have positive impacts on how you feel from day to day and over time. You may feel like your schedule keeps you from eating healthily, but making efforts to eat well should be a priority.

It’s worth looking ahead to the week and figuring out what food to buy and prepare. Bulk cooking can help free up more time in the day or evening to study. Eat more nutrient-rich foods and keep an eye out for what healthy foods are available. For example, the following foods are known for their nutritional value:

  • Apples
  • Kale
  • Mushrooms
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Squash

Hydration is also important. Ensure you’re drinking enough water daily, as this can impact your health and well-being.

Staying Active

It’s good to be active as a student, whether you take morning jogs around a local park, participate on an intramural or local team, use exercise equipment on campus, or join a local gym.

Outdoor walks are great for boosting mood and helping with circadian rhythm. When it comes to indoor options for exercise, you’ve got plenty of YouTube videos you can make use of while exercising in your own apartment.

Supporting Respiratory Health

Supporting your respiratory health is also important, with the Fall season involving particular allergens that may affect your well-being. Allergies can be debilitating physically and mentally, which is why you need to manage them as best as you can.

The use of HEPA filters, for example, may be extremely useful. Consider, too, the use of humidifiers and improving the ventilation in your indoor spaces.

Prioritizing Mental Health

While physical health often receives attention regarding wellness, mental health is also important and should be prioritized. Consider talking about your mental health with people you trust and be aware of resources you may want to consult regarding mental health concerns.

Adequate sleep and good nutrition are important to mental wellness. Making time for mindfulness can also be beneficial. Calming down, meditating, and practicing being present can all make a positive impact on your mental health. Limiting time in front of a screen can also be helpful. Self-care, including setting boundaries for how much you take on, is another way to prioritize your mental health.

Mood Support Strategies

Consider different strategies you could implement to support your mood, and therefore your overall wellbeing and productivity in a learning environment.

For example, utilizing light therapy might be a good approach for your health. Social connection is also important/ Find ways to keep social contact with others despite falling temperatures that may accompany less time outdoors.

Also, it’s good to take time for yourself, especially when it comes to managing a hectic calendar.

You may also want to incorporate nutritional support in the way of B vitamins and magnesium.

Promoting Healthy Sleep

Adequate and restorative sleep can help you be at your peak of well-being and support you in focusing on your studies. 

Staying consistent with the amount of sleep and improving the quality of that sleep is incredibly important. Try to stick to a consistent bedtime routine, which comes with screen limits and can be supported by a good bedtime routine that your body can become used to.

Maintaining a Healthy Apartment Environment

Finally, keep your surroundings healthy by ensuring they’re clean. Make sure to have soap and tissues available so you can minimize the spread of germs. Also, consider letting in sunshine during daytime hours. 

The overall environment of your apartment can impact your mental health. Keeping your spaces organized and comfortable can help ensure you have a welcoming place to be for healthy socialization, effective studying, and earned relaxation. 

How about some fall decorations to help embrace the season? Simple touches here and there can make positive impacts on your environment.

Affordable BYU-I Housing at Sunrise Village

Your apartment can be a great place for planning, maintaining, and improving your physical and mental wellness to help ensure you enjoy your Fall semester.

Sunrise Village offers an affordable place to stay and to enjoy each season during your time at BYU-Idaho. There are women’s and men’s apartments at the complex, and our great location puts residents near campus and close to Rexburg’s downtown. The apartment complex includes 12 apartment buildings, each with four units. The complex also features outdoor spaces and lots of parking. Our amenities include free laundry, and each apartment has two fridges and a 49-inch Smart TV.

Please reach out to learn about housing options, to schedule a tour, or to renew a lease. We look forward to talking with you.