Comprehensive Wellness Tips for College Students

SPIRITUAL WELLNESS

Prepared by the GuideStone Director of Pastoral Wellness, Mark Dance

Find a Church Community

Keep God in the center by prioritizing getting plugged into a biblically-based local church and attending regularly. (Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:25). Whether you’re in a new city or your hometown, the first few years of legal adulthood can come with big changes and shifts, and it’s important to have strong Christian community around you

Pursue Spiritual Growth

Seek God and his will as you make choices about your major, career and life path by spending time with God and maturing spiritually. Continue developing a personal relationship with the Lord through daily Bible reading, prayer habits and living out your faith in your life with others. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Continue Intentional Discipleship

Make space for mentorship and discipleship. Although it may look different than your adolescent years, it should not be less intentional. It’s your time to make your faith your own and own your decisions about your relationship with your church and Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:2).

FINANCIAL WELLNESS

Prepared by the GuideStone Team**

Adjust College Savings

Develop a plan to evaluate your existing college savings or investment account to meet your current needs.

Be Financially Savvy about Health Care

• Be aware of what medical coverage may be available to you, whether you’re on your parent’s plan or a student health plan.
• Be proactive about using preventive medical benefits to save money in the long run.
• Use virtual care when applicable to access affordable care when living away from home.

Invest in the Future

• Create a budget.
• Consider opening an IRA (Traditional or Roth) or an investment account. Now is a good time to start investing for retirement. The longer the time horizon you have to invest, the greater the growth potential.
• Pay down debt more quickly by making double payments on loans wherever you can.

PHYSICAL WELLNESS

Prepared by nurses, doctors and other medical professionals at Lockton and Highmark*

Utilize Preventive Health Care

• Stay up to date on immunizations and schedule regular preventive appointments.
• Know which preventive care services are covered at 100% by reviewing your Preventive Care Schedule annually.

Prioritize Exercise

• Make physical activity a priority for long-term benefits. Adults need about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening activity each week.
• In early adulthood, your physical abilities are at their peak, including muscle strength, reaction time, sensory abilities and cardiac functioning.

Prioritize Nutrition

Make sure you color your plate and choose a balanced diet.

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS

Prepared by nurses, doctors and other medical professionals at Lockton and Highmark*

Express Love

Tell someone you love them today. Look for ways to make other people’s day a little better.

Lean on Others for Support

Reach out to someone to work through a stressful situation and emotionally connect with that person.

Take Time to Reflect

Start a journal to write down thoughts and emotions.

RELATIONAL WELLNESS

Prepared by nurses, doctors and other medical professionals at Lockton and Highmark*

Get Plugged into a Group Activity

• Take the time to find sports teams, clubs, volunteer groups and church small groups to be your community. College is a great opportunity to make relationships and join special interest groups.

Seek out Team-Based Learning

• Look for team-based learning opportunities such as study groups and group projects to enhance your problem-solving skills in a group setting.

Build a Support Network

• Be intentional about time set aside for friendships and relationships. Meeting people and making new friends is important, but make sure to invest in your current friendships by spending time with friends and supporting them through any hard times they may face.

VOCATIONAL WELLNESS

Prepared by the GuideStone Team**

Create a Structured Environment

Plan out your daily schedule — whether on a smartphone or physical calendar, including Bible reading, studying, social activities, exercise, cleaning and sleep.

Lay the Groundwork for a Successful Future

• Build professional relationships with university professors and community leaders and ask them for letters of recommendation when applying for scholarships, internships and jobs.
• Get involved with volunteer positions or a work-study program.
• Apply for summer internships during the previous fall.
• Attend career fairs early in your college career to gain experience talking to recruiters and learn about your opportunities.

Be Intentional in Your Internships and Jobs

• Apply for positions that complement your interests, strengths and studies as well as provide opportunities for you to learn and grow.
• Implement a career-development plan and look for ongoing self-development.
• Ask for feedback frequently and be able to handle compliments and criticism appropriately.
• Learn from your mistakes.