With the school year starting off, it can be easy to get stressed and caught up in the rigorous workload, plentiful clubs, and the multitude of activities that Xavier provides. And with this newfound stress it can be easy to fall into bad habits such as losing sleep, skipping out on hygienic routines, and eating unhealthily, which can carry on throughout the year. But fear not, a couple of Xavier students have pitched in to give their insight on how they care for themselves during the school year.

Sleep and diet are an important part of each of our lives and play a big role in how we function daily. According to healthyeating.com “a balanced diet can affect positively mental health, energy and boost disease prevention.” Sophomore Zoe Mulloy suggests that, to stay healthy it is good to “go to bed around 10:00, eat healthy breakfast like eggs, a healthy lunch like a salad, and a dinner with some protein”. Sophomore Kathleen Crawford also states, “I always drink water after eating candy or drinking soda, which I also try to cut back on”. Staying hydrated keeps blood flowing and impacts how the brain functions.

When keeping a balanced diet and sleeping well don’t cut it or aren’t fully possible with one’s schedule there are several other ways of winding down outside of school. Sophomore Ryann Gleason shares, “My biggest tip is face masks, they help me relax and unwind throughout through the busy week, even if it’s just for 10 minutes”. Face masks were a popular way to relax among the student body interviewed, along with, watching Netflix, bubble baths, and talking to friends and family on the phone. Sophomore Noemi Santaella adds that daily journaling is beneficial for her, she states, “For my own mental self-care I like to journal my thoughts and ideas because they help me push through hard times.” According to psychcentral.com, “Writing removes mental blocks and allows you to use all of your brainpower to better understand yourself, others, and the world around you.”

Xavier is notorious for being academically rigorous with its status of being a college preparatory. Despite the academic stress that might seem rampant, these interviews prove that there are several ways to stay happy and healthy when the school day ends.