Forming healthy habits helps students maintain strong mental health through challenges

Starting college is proven to be one of the most challenging and stressful periods of time in a young adult’s life, and factors such as leaving the comfort and familiarity of home, combined with academic and social pressure, can put a strain on mental health.

Ayo Adesanya, MD, PhD, assistant professor of Family and Community Medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, says that the competing demands add to them being challenging to navigate. He’s a proponent of students developing healthy habits early so that they can help anchor an individual to be better prepared to manage all of the changes college life can bring. He also recommends that students take the time to access existing mental health resources and services on campus.

Forming healthy habits doesn’t have to be hard – and they can be as simple as going to the doctor once a year to maintain your physical and mental health. The time period of beginning medical school after receiving an undergraduate degree is a good time to ensure that well-being is a key factor in your daily living. Dr. Adesanya has himself witnessed medical students going from one exam to another while spending many hours learning to care for others – and forgetting to care of themselves.

He recommends that students establish contact with primary care physicians, dentists and other providers, and access them throughout their college years, remembering that taking care of physical health can be a catalyst to maintaining mental health. The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” is a system designed to stay in check with your physical health, which also aids in mental health and includes:

• Eating a well-rounded diet including whole foods, fruits and vegetables.
• Being more active and getting at least 75 minutes of exercise a week. 
• Quitting tobacco and avoiding nicotine products. 
• Getting at least seven to nine hours of healthy sleep each night.

Dr. Adesanya adds that surrounding oneself with a positive community and keeping in touch with loved ones and friends also impacts positive mental health. In addition, educational leaders at the Ohio State College of Medicine are dedicated to student wellness and encourage them to reach out often, because they care about learner success.