In college, we often have a hard time understanding just how to live our lives in terms that are considered normal, everyday tasks. Life is all about balance and college is the time in life when you start beginning to set your ways for when you're an adult. Different elements like exercise, relationships, healthy eating, and making decisions for yourself all coincide with leading a balanced lifestyle.

1. Exercise.

Exercising is crucial in a college lifestyle. Often, any form of exercise can help a person relieve stress, feel more positive throughout the day, and it almost justifies eating that bagel that you felt like you were regretting.

I love spin class. I, literally, can't get enough of it. At home, I spin at Flywheel with my mom as well as attempt Flybarre which tends to be more of a strength class. At school, I also attend spin class at the student rec center while trying to be diligent about also attending body pump. One thing that I've come to find, though, is that mixing up exercise is crucial because your muscles get so used to one motion that you tend to get frustrated. So mix it up and bring it on!

2. Relationships.

Healthy relationships are the key to one's happiness as well because we need to surround ourselves with positivity in order to succeed. I'm not even talking in a dating sense right now though. I'm talking about friendships because all friendships should be two sided, positive, and rewarding.

Toxic friends are hard because you see some kind of redeeming quality within the person, but are constantly being put down. A true friend wouldn't be judging your lifestyle or any of your choices because they always support you in anything you do.

Assert yourself. If you feel as though the toxicity has gone too far, you need to tell them outright how you feel, why you feel that way, and get you voice heard or you'll regret it. A happy relationship or friendship is a healthy one, so get out there and find some positivity!

3. Healthy eating.

Eating healthy is super important in keeping your body healthy and your mind fresh. It's important to eat balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, grains, starches, and proteins.

However, it's also okay to indulge a little bit. If that bag of Goldfish is staring you down in the pantry and you really just want to put them in their place: go for it! There's no harm in indulging yourself with moderation.

Another key factor in nourishing your body is water. You can't get anywhere without being properly hydrated. Always carrying a water bottle is a great idea so that your body can stay properly nourished.

So, let's try it!

4. Make your own choices.

To me, this is one of the most important parts of being balanced. You need to be able to make your own decisions because only you know what is right for you. No one else knows exactly what you need in order to stay safe and happy. You make the calls, so always go with your gut because there's an extremely huge chance that it's correct.

So, you choose how to live life, and if you want to eat those Goldfish at midnight!

As my mom always says, "You can't go wrong with a granola bar, water, and sneakers."

A proper balanced life is what gets you through the day and brings in the happiness: so get out there, live your life!