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Health at home: A wellness checklist for winter break

Woman sleeping with a pug.

Coming home for break is an exciting time for students and families alike. However, it can also pose challenges as students give up their school-time routines, say goodbye to friends and adjust to a new norm. These changes can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Help your students stay healthy at home with this wellness checklist.  

Get vaccinated

Vaccinations are the first step to preventing disease. Take some time over break to make sure your student is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Here are some vaccinations that are especially important for college students:

  • Meningitis: Meningitis is a highly contagious disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and can spread quickly on college campuses. The best defense against meningitis is to get vaccinated.
     
  • Flu: Research shows that getting an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu.
     
  • HPV: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cervical and other cancers. Getting the vaccine, which requires a series of shots, is the best way to prevent future complications associated with HPV.

Get a check-up

Winter break is a great time to get a check-up. While at home, students are encouraged to get general wellness checks with their primary care doctors. It’s also a great time for dental cleanings and eye exams. Work with your student to schedule general health appointments while they’re at home.

Hit snooze

After a long and busy semester, students often experience burnout. Make sure your student takes time to rest and de-stress during break. Continual stress and lack of sleep can take a toll on our immune systems and make us more susceptible to illness. To combat this, experts recommend at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night for college students.

Stay active

While it’s tempting to be a couch potato over winter break, encourage your student to stay physically active. Physical activity helps to boost immunity and overall health. Look for fun activities in your area to participate in or commit to being active as a family, such as taking a short walk together before or after dinnertime.

Check-in

Coming home for break can be a mix of emotions: joy, relief, stress, anxiety. Check in with your student and see how they’re doing. Let them open up and listen non-judgmentally about how they’re feeling. Offer support when things are difficult and enthusiasm when things are going well. Being there can make all the difference in helping them cope with life and routine changes.