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Explanation of the importance of physical mental and emotional health in school. Also refer to illness, disease, stress, genetics, well-being, criticism, unrealistic demands, environment, success, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Energy, Endurance and Health in School
by Ron Kurtus (18 August 2002)
Being healthy means that your body and mind function as they are supposed to. In your role as a student, it is important that you are both physically and emotionally healthy. You can't do a good job in school, if you don't feel well. Being healthy makes you feel good and allows you to perform more effectively. You can maintain your health by taking care of yourself and avoiding toxic situations.
Questions you may have include:
- What determines good health?
- Why is it important for a student?
- How can a student maintain his or her health?
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.
Good health
Health concerns both physical and emotional well-being.
Physical health
Being physically healthy means that your body is functioning as it should, without pain, discomfort, or lack of capabilities. Causes of ill health include injuries, disease, diet, stress and genetics. Also, poor cleanliness habits can result in illness or skin ailments.
Emotional health
Being emotionally or mentally healthy means that your mind and emotions are functioning as they should, without anxiety, depression or other malfunctions. Causes of mental ill health include physical disease, stress, genetics and mental abuse.
For example, being constantly and unfairly criticized can affect your emotional well-being. Also, sometimes depression is caused by chemical changes in your body.
Importance and benefits of good health
Having good health is important and beneficial to a student. Health is a necessity, so ill health can prevent you from doing what you want in an effective manner or at all. Good health is necessary to effectively do your schoolwork. You can't do well if you don't feel well.
Physical health
Being physically healthy is of prime importance in life. Being ill or not feeling well can drastically affect your ability to work or play. Obviously, if you feel physically healthy, you can be more productive, as well as happier in school.
Students want to exhibit vitality when they are in class in with their friends. They must look and be healthy.
Mental health
Emotional well-being is also important. Suffering stress, depression, anxiety or other mental or emotional ailments is not fun. You would like your whole life to be happy and satisfying. It is important to be emotionally healthy in order to study effectively.
In life
School is only one part of your life. You want to be able to enjoy all aspects of your life and to live a long, productive and enjoyable life. Being healthy will also allow you to gain knowledge and skills, do excellent work, be valuable to others, and be honorable to those with whom you deal.
Maintaining health
You should take care of yourself in order to maintain your physical and mental health.
Physical health
Physical health starts with a good diet and includes sufficient exercise, as well a generally taking care of your health. Exercise is important not only for your health, but it also increases your energy and vitality and gives the subtle muscle tone that looks good to an audience. An out-of-shape speaker does not have the same credibility or appeal as one who looks fit.
Certainly, smoking should be avoided. Drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs are not only bad for your physical health, but they can result in a student looking and sounding like a fool.
You should also know how to deal with illness or injury by appropriate health care.
Mental health
Maintaining mental or emotional health is not as specific as maintaining physical health. Positive reinforcement is a way to keep the right mental attitude, as opposed to thinking of things in negative terms. You also want to avoid situations that cause excess stress, or if you are in such situations, to cope with it. For example, giving a presentation in front of the class can be stressful, but excess worry is counterproductive. Good preparation and positive visualization can reduce the stress. Also, remember the adage: "Don't sweat the small stuff. Everything is small stuff."
Overreaction to criticism from teachers, parents or other kids can cause your stomach to churn. It is good to take such criticisms in stride, consider the source of the criticism, and try to appropriately improve.
You should be aware of these problems and try to avoid negative situations. If you can't bear the negative atmosphere around you, seek to move on to a healthier emotional environment.
Summary
You want to function properly both physically and mentally or emotionally. Unhealthy habits and stressful working conditions can affect your health, as well as your ability to study. You should take care of your health and work environment, so that you can feel good and be productive.
Feel good every day
Resources
The following are resources on this subject.
Websites
Books
Top-rated books on Good Grades
Mini-quiz to check your understanding
1. What is an emotionally toxic school environment?
2. How can you minimize getting sick often?
3. Why should a student be concerned about his or her health?
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a champion student. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.
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Energy, Endurance and Health in School