Colonel's Cadence Blog
How to Stay Healthy at Military School
A cornerstone to success, maintaining mental and physical health requires balancing the demands of a structured environment with the needs of individual well-being. Doing so at a military boarding school entails sleep, exercise, nutrition, peer support, and mentorship. Massanutten Military Academy, a top boarding school in Virginia, encourages such lifestyles through physical fitness, nutritious meals, academic support, and leadership development.
Our academy’s mission is to prepare cadets for lives of meaning, purpose, service, and leadership. Within our supportive and structured community, young men and women reach their full potential and pursue their passions while building lasting relationships. Moreover, our challenging STEM-based academics provide a well-rounded and exciting education. Call (540) 459-2167 to learn more about Massanutten’s admission requirements and our unique school culture.
Below, we discuss tips to stay healthy at boarding school:
Physical Health
- Regular Exercise: As an integral component of military education, physical fitness holds great importance at Massanutten. We encourage cadets to pursue it through numerous sports and JROTC training opportunities. Competitive school athletics allow cadets to develop a healthy understanding of teamwork they can use during their lives.
- Balanced Diet: Nutritious meals are the foundation of a healthy body and a sharp mind. At Massanutten, our Cook & Kitchin Dining Hall favors fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins over processed foods. Cadet favorites include our full salad bar and protein-loaded “MMA Bowls” (chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy)!
- Sufficient Sleep: Since cadets work and study hard, getting enough rest is crucial for outstanding performance. Those who follow a regular sleep schedule and prioritize 8-9 hours of sleep each night have the energy and stability for success in all their endeavors.
- Personal Hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene is essential for warding off illnesses. Washing hands frequently, showering regularly, and tidying one’s living area will go a long way during cold and flu season.
Mental Health
- Stress Management: Academic success and boarding school life can be challenging, so implementing healthy coping mechanisms for stress is vital. Utilize mindfulness practices, exercise, and the support of staff to manage stress effectively.
- Strong Relationships: Peer, mentor, and teacher relationships provide a foundation to overcome adversity. These supportive bonds can boost self-esteem and significantly impact one’s well-being. When new cadets arrive, they are encouraged to get involved on campus and build a social network.
- Time Management: Balancing academics, sports, and other commitments requires planning. As part of Massanutten’s leadership training, cadets develop time management skills that control their schedule and help avoid burnout.
- Open Communication: Cadets are always encouraged to communicate their needs and challenges to trusted adults, whether teachers, staff, or family members. Seeking help and encouragement for minor issues can help prevent them from escalating.
Improve Mental and Physical Well-being At a Top Boarding School in Virginia!
Massanutten Military Academy boasts a long history as an elite boarding school in Virginia. Our diverse student body comprises well-rounded scholars, citizens, athletes, and leaders. Inquire about our rolling admissions process and our exciting school environment by calling (540) 459-2167 today!You know your child can do more but is not getting the attention needed in their current environment to reach their full potential. We know that choosing the right school for your child can be difficult because each child is so unique. We believe students should experience school as it should be, a place where children are educated in an environment that leads them to thrive and encourages their maximum potential.
Massanutten Military Academy is a co-educational, non-profit military boarding and day school in Virginia for students in 8th-12th grades with postgraduate studies. We welcome all faiths and live by our motto: Non Nobis Solum (Not For Ourselves Alone).
Massanutten Military Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
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