Life can get crazy sometimes. Especially right now in the midst of a worldwide pandemic it is so important to remember the small things. Instead of getting wrapped up in how the future will unfold, focus on being present in the moment and loving your life as it is right now. In today’s
blog I am going to talk about a few basic things that we should all be doing every single day to improve not only our physical health, but mental health. In times like these it is crucial we go back to the basics in order to keep ourselves grounded.

A few simple things to do every day:

● Drink Your Water
○ Although this may seem like a very simple task, most of us are not getting nearly enough water in for the day. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should be drinking around 3-4 liters of water a day. This is equivalent to eight standard size bottles of water. Of course this can vary depending on your weight and other factors. But, this is a good reference goal for everyone. Drinking the correct amount of water can help aid in headaches, removes toxins from your body, promotes healthy skin, helps balance blood sugar, and so much more. There are no cons to drinking water; and overall it is a simple task to add into your daily routine.

● Stay Present
○ As mentioned above, it is always important to live in the moment. At times like these the future is so unpredictable and there is not a lot of opportunity for planning. Personally, I am definitely a big planner and I like to know what direction I’m going in. However, I have come to learn that you cannot control every aspect of your life. What is more important than knowing your future path is being able to love your life as it is now. Focusing on what comes next will most likely cause more stress than is necessary. Be present!

● Get Your Sleep
○ Similar to drinking your water every day, getting the proper amount of sleep is just as important, if not more. HelpGuide.org recommends that a healthy adult should be getting anywhere between 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Sleep deficiency causes an increased risk of kidney and heart disease as well as diabetes and high blood pressure. Not getting the proper amount of sleep can also lead to a stroke. Although we are college students this does not mean we can rely on 5-6 hours of sleep each night. This is such an easy task that will improve your mental and physical health immensely. Take it seriously!

● Get Your Sweat On
○ Working out looks different for everyone. For some it may be a casual stroll around the block. For others it means an hour long session at the gym. Whatever it may be, make sure you make it a priority. Not only is working out amazing for your physical health, studies have shown that it also helps with mental illnesses such as depression. Not only that, but it helps release toxins and reduce stress. Everyone can use a little detox every now and then, so make sure you go get your sweat on today!

● Share Your Feelings
○ This is another task that might seem very simple for some, but for others it may seem almost impossible. Regardless, it is important to talk about your feelings multiple times a week to reduce anxiety and stress. Whether or not you feel as if you need to do this, it is important. Bottling up your feelings will only lead to more problems in the long run. If you feel as though you cannot share your feelings with family or friends I encourage you to seek help. Feel free to go to Winther Hall right on the UW-Whitewater campus. They offer free one-on-one counseling sessions. For more information please CLICK HERE or call (262)-472-1305.

It is possible that every task written above is already incorporated into your daily routine. However, it is not too late to start if they are not! The tips mentioned above are all easy and accessible to almost everyone. Take the time out of your day to try something new. And remember to live in the present!

Do not get discouraged.
Cora Shircel