Thriving as a Student: 5 Essential Tips for Staying Healthy
Fordham Institute Inc. • June 12, 2024
Balancing academics, training, and personal life can be challenging for students. Here are five practical tips to help you stay healthy and fit as you navigate your studies and training programs.
1. Prioritize Balanced Nutrition
Eating a well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health. As a busy student, it's easy to reach for convenience foods, but making mindful choices can make a significant difference.
- Plan Ahead: Prepare healthy meals and snacks in advance to avoid the temptation of fast food.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and mind functioning optimally.
- Incorporate Variety: Ensure your diet includes a mix of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide the nutrients your body needs.
2. Get Active
Regular physical activity is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Finding time to exercise might seem challenging, but even small amounts of activity can have a positive impact.
- Set Realistic Goals: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Take Breaks: Use study breaks to stretch or take a quick walk to refresh your mind and body.
- Join a Class: Consider participating in fitness classes or sports activities that you enjoy, making exercise a fun part of your routine.
3. Manage Stress Effectively
Student life can be stressful, especially when juggling coursework, training, and personal commitments. Learning to manage stress is vital for maintaining your health.
- Practice Mindfulness: Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress and improve focus.
- Stay Organized: Keep a planner or use digital tools to manage your schedule and avoid last-minute cramming.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or counselors when you need emotional support or advice.
4. Prioritize Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and overall health. As a student, it’s important to develop good sleep habits.
- Stick to a Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make your bedroom conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet.
- Limit Screen Time: Avoid using electronic devices before bedtime to improve the quality of your sleep.
5. Stay Socially Connected
Maintaining social connections is crucial for emotional well-being and can help reduce stress.
- Join Groups: Participate in study groups, clubs, or activities that interest you to build connections with fellow students.
- Stay in Touch: Regularly communicate with friends and family to share your experiences and receive support.
- Take Breaks Together: Use breaks to socialize with classmates, providing a balance between work and relaxation.
Balancing the demands of being a student with maintaining your health and fitness can be challenging, but it's achievable with the right strategies. By prioritizing nutrition, staying active, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining social connections, you can support your well-being and succeed in your studies. Implement these tips to stay healthy and fit as you embark on your educational journey with us!
When you’re balancing school, work, and life, time isn’t your only challenge— energy is. During your Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, it’s not just about managing your schedule; it’s about managing your energy—physically, mentally, and emotionally. At Fordham Institute Inc., we know that every ounce of your energy matters. Whether you’re in class, studying after work, or commuting to school, here are smart, realistic ways to stay energized and make the most of your journey. 1. Start Your Day with Intention—not Stress Before you dive into the day, take five minutes to breathe, stretch, or simply focus on a positive thought. This small habit sets the tone for how you carry your energy through the day. Try this: Take three deep breaths and say: “Today, I move with purpose and peace.” 2. Fuel Your Body with What It Really Needs Food is fuel. And when you’re learning and giving care, your body needs steady energy—not sugar crashes. Aim for balanced meals with protein, fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Quick fix: Keep trail mix, fruit, or a granola bar in your bag for in-between classes. 3. Hydration = Focus Dehydration can make you tired, foggy, and sluggish. Water keeps your brain sharp and your body energized. Pro tip: Get a refillable water bottle and make it your study buddy. 4. Protect Your Sleep Like It’s a Priority—Because It Is You can’t function on empty. Even if you’re busy, aim for consistent sleep patterns. Try winding down without screens 30 minutes before bed to improve your quality of rest. Sleep affirmation: “I deserve rest. I recharge so I can give my best.” 5. Move Your Body (Even for Just 5 Minutes) You don’t need a gym. A quick stretch, short walk, or dance break can release tension, improve your mood, and boost your stamina. Energy boost: Stretch between study sessions or take the stairs when possible. 6. Keep Your Mind Clear Mental energy is just as important. If you’re overwhelmed, take a short break to journal, listen to calming music, or talk to someone you trust. Reminder: Energy flows better when your thoughts are calm and focused. 7. Guard Your Emotional Energy Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Avoid draining conversations or unnecessary negativity when possible. Choose peace. Practice: Before reacting, pause and ask, “Is this worth my energy?” You Are Your Best Investment At Fordham Institute Inc., we see how hard our students work. Your time is important—but your energy is everything. Protect it. Nurture it. And use it to fuel the future you’re building. 📞 Call us at (718) 480-1804 Your energy is your edge. Take care of it—and let it carry you toward success.
Success isn’t always about trophies, promotions, or applause. In healthcare—and especially in caregiving—success often looks different. It’s quiet, personal, and deeply meaningful. At Fordham Institute Inc., we teach our students that success isn’t a destination. It’s a mindset, a journey, and a commitment to growth—day by day. 1. Success Is Showing Up It takes courage to start something new. Whether you’re walking into your first class, clocking in for your first shift, or opening a textbook after a long day—that’s success. Success isn’t perfection. It’s progress. 2. Success Is Learning from Every Experience In healthcare, no two days are the same. There will be challenges, moments of doubt, and mistakes—but there will also be lessons, victories, and growth. Every skill you learn and every obstacle you overcome is shaping you into a better caregiver—and a stronger person. 3. Success Is Helping One Person at a Time You don’t need to “change the world” overnight. Helping one person feel safe, clean, fed, or heard is powerful. That is success. In caregiving, small acts of kindness are life-changing. 4. Success Is Not Giving Up When It Gets Hard Balancing school, work, family, and your own well-being isn’t easy. But every time you push forward despite feeling overwhelmed, you’re winning. Resilience is a major part of success. So is rest. So is grace. 5. Success Is Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be For many students at Fordham Institute Inc., becoming an HHA or CNA isn’t just about a job—it’s about discovering their strength, passion, and purpose. True success is becoming the best version of yourself—professionally and personally. Success Starts Here At Fordham Institute Inc., we don’t just teach skills—we empower people. We believe that success looks different for everyone, and we’re proud to help our students define it for themselves. 📞 Call us at (718) 480-1804 to start your journey Success isn’t a finish line. It’s a path—and you’re already on it
In today’s world of digital communication and virtual appointments, something powerful still stands strong— the healing power of human touch . For Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), touch isn’t just part of the job—it’s a vital part of the healing process. At Fordham Institute Inc., we train students not only in clinical skills but in the art of compassionate care. Here’s why physical, hands-on caregiving continues to be one of the most important and human aspects of healthcare. 1. Touch Brings Comfort and Reassurance A hand to hold. A gentle pat on the back. Helping someone out of bed. These simple acts of touch are deeply grounding for patients who may feel anxious, isolated, or afraid. Why it matters: Physical presence creates emotional safety. It says, “You’re not alone.” 2. Touch Promotes Physical Healing Hands-on care—like assisting with mobility, hygiene, or repositioning—does more than keep a patient clean or comfortable. It helps improve circulation, reduces bed sores, and encourages movement. Why it matters: Aides are often the first to notice physical changes, making early intervention possible. 3. It Builds Human Connection In caregiving, touch often speaks louder than words. For many clients, especially the elderly or those living alone, physical care may be their only daily connection with another person. Why it matters: Human connection through care boosts mood, lowers stress, and improves quality of life. 4. It Restores Dignity Helping someone dress, bathe, or eat isn't just physical—it’s personal. Done with care and respect, these tasks restore a person’s sense of dignity and independence. Why it matters: HHAs and CNAs have the power to transform vulnerable moments into affirming experiences. 5. Touch is Timeless Technology may change healthcare—but it will never replace the warmth of a human hand. That’s what makes caregivers irreplaceable. Why it matters: Your presence is part of the healing. You are the bridge between medical care and personal connection. Train With Heart, Serve With Purpose At Fordham Institute Inc., we teach more than skills—we teach presence, empathy, and compassion. Our graduates go on to make real, lasting differences in the lives of others, not just through what they do, but how they do it. 📞 Ready to start your journey? Call us at (718) 480-1804 Touch heals. Care connects. Your hands have the power to change lives.