College: the best four years of your life. It's full of new experiences and it's easy to get caught up in the norm of living an unhealthy lifestyle. Here are 12 tips on how to live a healthier life as a college student:
1. Work out!
Like seriously get your body moving. Go to the gym and get a great workout in and also take a walk in the park! It's amazing how much better you'll feel after working out. Getting your minimum of 1 hour of activity a day dramatically affects your mood.
2. Make time for your social life.
As college students, we tend to get so caught up in our academics, job(s), and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle that we sometimes forget to maintain our friendships. A healthy way to maintain your social life throughout college is by surrounding yourself with positive and like-minded individuals. When you are together, make sure to keep it drama-free and continue to make healthy choices (such as your alcohol and food intake and not partaking in high-risk activities that could negatively affect your health).
3. Watch what you're eating.
You don't have to count your calories (although it's good to look at what kind of nutrients you're putting in your body), but take note of how much you eat a day, what you're eating, and how quickly you're eating (the slower you eat, the better for you!). What I like to do is look at the nutrition labels on most everything I eat. It puts into perspective just how much fat, sodium, etc. you're taking in.
4. SLEEP.
I can't stress enough how important sleep is. Yes, I pull the occasional all-nighter studying for a huge exam or stay up way past my "bedtime" when I go out with friends, but getting a good 7-8 hours of sleep is crucial. I find myself naturally falling asleep much earlier since I started working out. By the end of my long day, I am ready to hop in the shower and get my good night's rest.
5. Choose healthier snacks.
Snacking throughout college is inevitable, I promise you. Changing the types of snacks you eat and thinking ahead can be very beneficial. For example, fill your pantry with whole wheat crackers, an assortment of fruit, peanut butter (natural*),
6. Go to counseling.
Something I found extremely beneficial as a college student is going to counseling. What started off as a bonus assignment for a class has led me to a deep appreciation for counseling. If you can't make it once a week, try to make it at least once every two weeks or once a month. Most universities should have a way for students to access mental health services on campus.
7. Find a hobby/passion.
Finding something to be passionate about as a college student will help keep you motivated and dedicated throughout college. Whether it's getting involved on campus or having a fulfilling job or internship that closely aligns to your studies at school, pursuing your passion will soothe your mind, body, and soul.
8. Journal.
Writing is such a great way to express yourself. Journaling is a private way to let your emotions out. You can also start a blog or a vlog and share it with friends and family. You can also do a mix of these, as I do!
9. Make time for yourself.
Whether it's the last 20 minutes of the day, or the first hour you're awake, make sure that you make time for yourself. This looks different for everyone. Maybe you like to read for an hour before bed without any distractions. Some people enjoy staying in bed a whole half hour after they awake to just ready themselves for the day. Any way that you can squeeze time in for yourself is essential to your mental and emotional well-being.
10. Find something that enriches your soul and stick with it.
What enriches my soul is my faith. I can find myself on my knees in adoration before Christ and be completely content. For others it may be attending their church services every week or loving others through selfless acts of charity. What's important is that your soul is as nourished as your mind and body.
11. EAT BREAKFAST.
Make time for breakfast because it is so important to start your day off right. Have a plentiful one at that! Breakfast should be more than just a yogurt or an apple while you're running out the door.
12. Drink water.
Continuously drink water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps your skin stay and look healthy, it reduces health problems such as, dehydration (obviously), migraines/headaches, insomnia and others. Reduce your caffeine intake as well.
I hope that for all college student reading this that these are some helpful tips. I know it isn't easy to live a healthy life as a college student, especially when you're surrounded by such unhealthy choices, but know that in the end you will always feel better when you choose the healthier option!
