For anyone entering college, or anyone already in college, these 11 habits will help keep you healthy both mentally and physically. We all need a reminder sometimes, whether we haven't been to the gym in a little too long or we skipped a few meals throughout the week, to keep ourselves healthy. That's the only way we can make it through a day, a week, a month, a semester, a year and our college lives. So keep in mind these 11 healthy habits and you just might survive the rollercoaster ride that is college.
1. Eating
We all have had those days that are so busy we forget to eat.Everyone will experience the time in class where their stomach growls so loudly they remember they haven't eaten all day. Or maybe they didn't forget they just didn't have time to grab something between classes. Either way, eating is important no matter what it is. Finding nutritious options is just part of it.
2. Exercise
Yes, we all walk to class. No, that is probably not enough based on what you will most likely eat during the year. So get in an extra walk around campus with your friends, head to the gym and jump on the bike (they probably have TVs), or find a workout you can do in your room. Just get up and be active...it's good for the mind and body.
3. Reading
I know most people hate reading. You don't have to read a book to read. Find a magazine you love, especially one that relates to your major, and subscribe to it or read it online. Giving yourself a few minutes every day to focus on reading. It's good for your brain and is a great way to take a break from classwork.
4 Going to Class
There will be days when you really don't want to go to class. Force yourself to get up and go anyways. I guarantee you that you will feel worse missing all of that material than you did when you rolled out of bed before your 8 am.
5. Participating
If you go to a small school with small classes, don't be afraid to participate. That is the best way to learn the material, and to get your professor to truly know who you are and how you learn. Even if you don't go to a small school, participating in any way during class is always important, even if it is as simple as actively taking notes.
6. Socializing
It is important to take time out of your day to spend with friends. Meals, especially dinner, are a great time to see your friends. These are the people who will help you through your hardest days throughout your college career and you will need them. Taking a break from studying to spend time with them will not hurt your GPA, I promise.
7. Studying
Studying is important. Exams are a major part of your final grades, and you will do much better on them if you prepare for them. Study in any way that you think works. Whether it's a cram session in the library the night before until 2 am or studying in advance and taking a break right before the exam, find what works for you and go with it.
8. Cleaning
Cleaning is actually extremely therapeutic. Whether it's doing laundry, organizing your desk, or sweeping/vacuuming the floor, cleaning is another great way to take a break from everything else going on. It also will make you feel so much better once there's no more pile of clothes in the corner or stack of papers on your desk.
9. Getting Involved
Find something you love to do. Find something you are passionate about and pursue it. Don't be afraid to get involved as a freshmen in anything that interests you. Finding a place where you belong on your campus will be a great escape for you from the realities of daily college life.
10. Sleeping
I can't tell you enough how important sleep is. No matter what, don't put off your sleep (too much) for anything. This way, you won't be sacrificing your sanity. Yes, there will be days when staying up late at the library or with your friends is needed, but those days do not occur seven times a week.
11. Working
Finding a job on campus will not only make your bank account happy, but it will make you happy. Most jobs on campus allow you to do your homework and occasionally have other things to do. These are the best types of jobs because you basically get paid to do your homework!! Then on Saturday nights when all of your friends are ordering pizza at midnight, you won't be reluctant to join in.
So no matter what you do in the next four years, or however many you have left, don't forget these 11 healthy habits. I promise you, they will help you get through anything that comes your way.
