Page 91 - Keys to College Success

StatusCHECK

How Effectively Do You Maintain Your Personal Wellness?

For each statement, fill in the number that best describes how often it applies to you.
1 = never 2 = seldom 3 = sometimes 4 = often 5 = always

1. I know that my health is a major factor in my success as a college student. 1 2 3 4 5

2. I eat a healthy, balanced diet, and rarely overeat or undereat. 1 2 3 4 5
3. I make it a point to exercise regularly in some way. 1 2 3 4 5

4. I consistently get eight to nine hours of sleep per night. 1 2 3 4 5
5. I understand what constitutes sexual abuse, avoid abusive behaviors, and work to stay safe. 1 2 3 4 5
6. When I am feeling “out of it,” I use healthy methods to elevate my mood. 1 2 3 4 5

7. I know the ways in which addiction can affect my life. 1 2 3 4 5
8. I understand the potential consequences of substance use and make choices based on
that knowledge. 1 2 3 4 5
9. I am willing to ask for help with anxiety, depression, or other health problems. 1 2 3 4 5
10. I understand the potential consequences of sexual activity and feel comfortable with my choices. 1 2 3 4 5

Each of the topics in these statements is covered in this chapter. Note those statements for which you filled in a 3 or lower.
Skim the chapter to see where those topics appear, and pay special attention to them as you read, learn, and apply new
strategies.

REMEMBER: NO MATTER HOW WELL YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, YOU CAN IMPROVE WITH EFFORT AND PRACTICE.

WHAT IS THE LINK BETWEEN
health and stress management?

In the modern media-saturated world, it’s almost impossible to be unaware of the
importance of health. TV shows feature medical professionals offering tips on healthy
choices, chefs explaining how to eat well, and exercise gurus leading you through
workouts. Magazines devote pages to health topics. Marketers of food and other prod-
ucts emphasize healthful effects.
In the midst of all of this helpful information, people are experiencing higher levels
of stress than ever, in part because the proliferation of choice increases anxiety. Which
dinner item has the most nutritional value? What time of day should I exercise, and
which activity should I choose? This chapter highlights the connection between
wellness-related choices and stress management, with the goal of helping you wade
through the myriad of choices, identify the rewards that are important to you, and
3 determine the risks that will help you earn them.
CHAPTER 54