Taking Care of Your Health in Senior Year
Anyone who has graduated from high school can tell you: it’s a stressful time. You have senior projects to finish, graduation plans to make, and you might be choosing your college destination as well! In all that hectic activity, it might be tempting to put any healthcare decisions on hold. But in actuality, the time of your junior and senior year are when you should be taking care of your skin, your health, and your mental health…maybe more than ever!
-Don’t put off checkups: If your doctor recommends annual or periodical checkups, be sure you show up! Once you stop being an infant/child, often it’s not as common to get to the doctor every year, but it’s important for you to have annual exams done to make sure your general health is in good order. In addition, you will want to have a checkup before you head off to college or leave home, so you are as healthy as possible and are aware of any supplements or vitamins you should be taking (for example, many people are low in Vitamin D, which is important to know).
-Take personal days and rest time: Although its a very hectic time in high school, it’s really important to know when to slow down and get extra sleep or relaxation. Be sure to take time to unplug your phone and clock out when you are able to, and not to overcrowd your schedule without allowing yourself time to read, bake, sleep, or take time to yourself. In fact, many people try hard to schedule rest time in. It sounds silly, but it is an effective way to make it work with a very busy schedule (and helps you take it seriously).
-Get exercise and take your vitamins: Ask your doctor which multivitamins or supplements you should be taking, and keep up with them each day. Get a little pill holder and drink plenty of water! Doing these things plus getting regular exercise all actually increase your energy and make it easier for you to accomplish all the things you need to do. If you’re struggling to make time to work out, consider making it a “challenge” with a friend, so you can hold each other accountable and stay healthy together!
Taking care of your health is important, and your mental health is just as crucial as your physical state. Don’t overlook doing these things, so that you can really enjoy your senior year and stay healthy inside and out!
