Happy, Healthy, Hydrated: Improving Mental Well-being
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Freshmen
Major
Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Esther Malm
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Happy, Healthy, Hydrated: Improving Mental Well-being
Research on Blue zones, which are regions around the world where people live longer and healthier lives, has shown lifestyle factors tied to longevity and well-being. These factors include regular physical activity, strong social connections, balanced nutrition, and proper hydration. People in these areas stay active through daily movement and consistent eating habits, which may support both mental and physical health. These patterns are well-known and practiced in Blue Zone populations but less is understood about how these behaviors relate to mental well-being in college students. My person research loos at the relationship between hydration, physical activity, and mental wellness in college students. A survey will be conducted to collect data from college students who are over the age of 18. Hydration will be measured using a beverage questionnaire, physical activity will be recorded using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and mental wellness will be measured using the Warwick-Edinburg Mental Well Being Scale. The data will be analyzed to look for correlations between these variables. I have hypothesized that students who are more physically active and better hydrated will report higher levels of mental well-being. Student will lower physical activity and hydration levels may report lower mental wellness. Overall, this study applies the ideas from Blue Zone research to a college setting to better understand how everyday health is connected to mental health. These findings could help support programs that improve student well-being and quality of life.
Key terms: Blue zones, hydration, physical activity, mental wellness, college students
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Happy, Healthy, Hydrated: Improving Mental Well-being
Happy, Healthy, Hydrated: Improving Mental Well-being
Research on Blue zones, which are regions around the world where people live longer and healthier lives, has shown lifestyle factors tied to longevity and well-being. These factors include regular physical activity, strong social connections, balanced nutrition, and proper hydration. People in these areas stay active through daily movement and consistent eating habits, which may support both mental and physical health. These patterns are well-known and practiced in Blue Zone populations but less is understood about how these behaviors relate to mental well-being in college students. My person research loos at the relationship between hydration, physical activity, and mental wellness in college students. A survey will be conducted to collect data from college students who are over the age of 18. Hydration will be measured using a beverage questionnaire, physical activity will be recorded using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and mental wellness will be measured using the Warwick-Edinburg Mental Well Being Scale. The data will be analyzed to look for correlations between these variables. I have hypothesized that students who are more physically active and better hydrated will report higher levels of mental well-being. Student will lower physical activity and hydration levels may report lower mental wellness. Overall, this study applies the ideas from Blue Zone research to a college setting to better understand how everyday health is connected to mental health. These findings could help support programs that improve student well-being and quality of life.
Key terms: Blue zones, hydration, physical activity, mental wellness, college students