Even before COVID-19, college students had been reporting increasing levels of anxiety year-after-year—and the pandemic has not helped. A 2020 survey by the American College Health Association found that between March and May, an even higher proportion of students reported that their mental health has negatively impacted their academic performance. 

Now, more than ever, college students are looking to their schools to help them better manage stress and get through this tough time. Institutions can boost student success by understanding the benefits of mindfulness, providing convenient access to high-quality mindfulness and meditation resources, and encouraging students to make use of them.

Students often know what they should do when it comes to healthy habits. They want to reap the benefits of eating five daily servings of fruit and vegetables, sleeping 7-9 hours each night, and exercising for 150 minutes each week. However, behavior change is difficult—for all of us. 

Studies suggest that between the ages of 18 and 25 is a critical time for young adults to change their attitudes and create new habits. Recent research shows that colleges can support student health and wellness with health promotion programs to assist behavior change during these years. 

Students are under a lot of stress right now, which can hinder academic achievement and graduation rates. College administrators can help their students tackle stress by providing resources and support for them to be more mindful, get better sleep, and choose healthier foods. One lesser known—but scientifically backed—way to help reduce student stress? Encourage them to be more physically active in green spaces (e.g., parks, trails, gardens, tree-lined paths).

Green spaces can make us feel better, have a more positive outlook, and even improve our health and well-being. This has been documented in various studies of people who live close to parks and woodlands, have views of nature from their windows, and those who frequently spend time in natural areas. New research suggests that university students who actively use green spaces experience reduced stress, improved moods, and have a higher quality of life. 

Wondering what you can do to help level the playing field for your BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students so that they can better thrive at college and beyond? Start by taking a look at your school’s role in the social determinants of health—factors such as access to health care services and health education, affordable nutritious foods, and social inclusion of marginalized groups. Your students’ well-being, educational attainment, and career success are all affected by these factors. Lowering the barriers to these social determinants is one big step in creating a more equitable school environment.