Fuel Your Body and Your Brain

  • A tired mind is a slow mind. A balance of sleep and class work can result in a rise in GPA. Visit University Health Services at www.kent.edu/uhs.
  • Choose healthy foods at the campus dining facilities. Remember, fast food is a deserved splurge every now and then, but it can get pricey, offers little nutritional value and contributes to that all too common "freshmen 15" weight gain. Healthy food choices lead to a healthier you.
  • Go to the Student Recreational and Wellness Center, where they offer intramural sports, club sports, swimming, basketball, racquetball, weights and much more.
  • Ride your bike (borrow from Flashfleet!).
  • Walk to class when possible to easily build light exercise into your day, especially on days you can't make the gym or are diving into a pizza later that night.
  • Drink enough water. Hydration is important for staying healthy. If you are thirsty, it's true: You are already dehydrated.
  • Be mindful of your emotional health and the availability of help on campus via University Health Services or Step Up Speak Out.
  • Flu season kicks in mid-fall. Try to avoid that bug by washing your hands often. For other tips about staying healthy, visit University Health Services.
  • Remember to keep up on your class reading and projects so that as midterms approach — and they are approaching — you don't bring stress upon yourself.

Watch for Symptoms of Anxiety

Factors that may affect academic performance include stress, anxiety and sleep difficulties. Your mental and emotional health is a top priority. Talk to your advisor or visit the mental health resources listed above.


Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety:

  1. Feelings of nervousness
  2. Continual worry
  3. Muscle tension
  4. Headaches
  5. Difficulty sleeping
  6. Irritability
  1. Upset stomach or nausea
  2. Loss of appetite
  3. Feeling panicky, panic attacks
  4. Trouble concentrating
  5. Feeling especially anxious in social situations
  6. Sweating, trembling, rapid heart rate

Know the signs of excessive stress and anxiety

12 Tips for Managing Stress

  1. Take the long view. 
  2. Own your part. 
  3. Check email less often. 
  4. Get up and move. 
  5. Disconnect from your phone.
  6. Breathe deeply. 
  7. Reach out to friends. 
  1. Don’t overreact. 
  2. Get enough sleep. 
  3. Nurture yourself. 
  4. Write a letter of gratitude.
  5. Have some chocolate. 
  6. Meditate
Fab Fourth Lounge for Students


New-found freedom allows you to challenge quite a few boundaries, ranging from junk food binges to all night video game sessions. While indulgent choices seem well worth it at the time, long-term consequences can sneak up on you if you engage in such behavior too often. If poor diet and exercise habits set in, fighting off the "freshmen 15" in February before spring break is no fun! Moderation is key.