Physical Health

Vanessa Reka; Samantha Szcyrek; Ashlyne O'Neil

12 Physical Health

Learning Objectives

By completing this section, you can:

Identify ways to stay physically healthy.
Learn about how to manage physical health.
Recognize the importance of getting enough sleep.

Physical Health

Physical health is one of many components that make up overall wellbeing.

Staying Active

A basketball about to go through a basketball hoop. — Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash ^{is licensed under the Unsplash License}

Staying active is an important part of maintaining physical health. The Heart and Stroke Foundation (2021) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a week. Exercise may seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be.

Exercise can include walking your dog, going on a quick stroll during your lunch break, stretching, gardening, dancing, or doing chores. Find ways to incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily practice.

Many schools have athletic centres available for free to their students. These are great places to play sports with friends, go swimming or get a quick workout in. Many schools also offer intramural sports for a small fee. Get together with a group of friends and start a team, or join as a Free Agent!

Eating Healthy

Your body needs food to function. It is important to make sure you are eating enough food during the day and you are listening to your body when you feel hungry.
Eating healthy can help you feel better, and more energized.
There is no one set way to eat healthy, and it is important to do what feels right for you.
There is no such thing as “good” food or “bad” food; instead, try to incorporate a variety of foods into your diet.
It is also important to drink water throughout the day. It is easy to forget to drink water when you are busy with school, work, and socializing, however, it is important to try to remain hydrated.

Grocery Shopping on a Budget

^{Photo by Scott Warman on Unsplash is licensed under the Unsplash License}

^{Created by Vanessa Reka at the University of Windsor}

Getting Enough Sleep

Balancing school, work, and a social life can make getting enough hours of sleep a night a challenge. It is important to prioritize sleep as it is an important part of health, and it is the time that your body uses to heal and recharge.

Good Sleeping Practices:

Separate your working space from your sleeping space.

- Try to avoid working or doing homework on your bed. Instead, reserve time in bed for sleeping.

Make your sleeping environment as dark as possible

- Use thick curtains or blackout curtains to help limit as much light as possible in your room.

Slowly unwind from using your computer and phone the hour before bed.

- Your eyes are being stimulated by screens all day, so it is important to have some time away from screens to help prepare yourself for bed.
- Use this time to read a book or magazine or listen to some of your favourite podcasts or music.

If you find that you have tried a variety of tactics to relax before bed and still have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, reach out to a doctor.