As every college student knows, there must be a healthy balance of everything. Whether this be between academics, social, community, or personal projects, keeping balance is important. Feeling overwhelmed can not only have an effect on your grades, but also your health. Signs of being overwhelmed include: crying excessively, procrastination, rejection of reality, consideration of quitting college, and bags under the eyes from not sleeping. Here are some of my best tips on how to keep your health and your grades up.

Get a Grip on Good Grades

Your grades are a reflection of the knowledge that a professor has given to you and how much you actually retain and comprehend. Students try to achieve high grades in order to: find good jobs, graduate on time, and graduate summa cum laude. Here are two tips to boost your grades.

Read the textbook for each class

You probably are laughing to yourself right now, but this is an actual point. Many students will buy textbooks only to use them as expensive paper weights or dorm room decoration. Actually opening a book and reading through it can have dramatic effects on your learning. Studies show that students who read books have a higher percentage of graduating college, than those who don’t.

Post all your assignments on sticky notes

Using sticky notes gives you a visual representation of what is required throughout the semester. Try putting the date that the assignment/test is due in order to give yourself enough time to finish the project. When completed feel free to remove of the sticky note in any way you feel. Some of my favorite ways are the shredder, cutting up with scissors, ripping to pieces, and setting it on fire (if it was especially bad assignment).

Hold on to Healthy Habits

Although college is about learning and getting an education, having a functioning body to contain that information is important. Do not forget about your health, because it can kill you if you don’t.

Take advantage of student perks

Get some fresh air while exploring cool places near your campus. Or check out the recreation center and gym facilities on your campus. If you are unsure of going due to body size, fear of seeing others, not knowing what to do, or any other reason please keep this in mind, everybody at the gym is trying to improve themselves. Some have had an earlier start than others, but it is important to start sometime. Create a schedule for yourself and try to stick to it. Perhaps even create a schedule with friends and make it a social activity.

Work with what you have

If going to the gym is not your thing, do workouts in your dorm room. Many dorm rooms provide chairs to sit on. These chair can be transformed into your own personal gym. Try lifting the chair to stimulate your biceps and or shoulders. Do tricep dips to isolate your triceps. Try putting weight on the chair and pushing it up and down your hallway for a leg workout. Whatever method you choose, try to get your heart rate up and remain active. The benefits of working out are endless, but a few are: improved sleep, less stress, improved emotions, and personal pride.

Health and academics are equally important in college. Try following these simple tricks in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed so you can have the best college experience possible. What is one way you keep yourself healthy amidst the stress of homework and exams? Let’s share our ideas with the Pearson Students Community – please retweet my blog and share with your tip!