We've all heard about the freshman fifteen, but we fail to talk about the other ways college (and dining hall food) can completely destroy your health and sanity. As I've come closer to finishing my first year at college, I noticed that I, as well as most of my friends, have developed unhealthy eating habits, sleeping habits, and routines. Because of a busy work schedule and other time-consuming commitments, I unknowingly yet gradually got adjusted to a lifestyle that I know I need to fix before I jump into my sophomore year. Here are just a few of the things that could happen to you if you don't take care of yourself in college.
Horrible eating schedules
Because you don't always get the classes you want and might need to take certain classes pertaining to your major, you might get stuck with a horrible schedule that you have to work your life around. And because you get so caught up in classes and work and commuting, you might just forget to pay attention to your body altogether. What many college students end up doing is skipping meals, eating every six or seven hours, having their first meal at 2 pm, and/or eating dinner around 12 am. Eating late at night and taking large gaps between meals is not healthy, and not only can it lead to the 'freshman 15' but it can also lead to severe weight loss, as well. Regardless of how hectic your schedule may be, try to keep a snack in your bag and make a stop at the dining hall when you can.
Sleep? Never heard of her
Speaking of sleep - I haven't had that in a while, and I'm sure a lot of college students haven't, either. As if commuting to class from one campus to another isn't enough, I actually get assigned a decent amount of work with deadlines, too. I find myself going to bed at three in the morning and waking up just before noon. College forces you to compromise on your sleep, but that can end up having dangerous effects on your mental and physical health. If you're not getting enough sleep, your body doesn't have time to revitalize and prepare you for the next day. Don't compromise your health for college- it's not worth being miserable.
Not getting enough nutrients
The college dining hall is not good, especially for vegetarians and vegans and that is a fact. I have avoided eating at the dining hall as much as possible, but after discovering that I am indeed nutrient deficient, I force myself to have at least one healthy meal every day. Regardless of whether the food is good or not, we need nutrients to function.
It's so easy to forget to take care of your body in college, especially freshmen year, when you're learning to juggle all of your responsibilities and classes and doing things on your own for once. But your health is something that shouldn't be compromised, and at the end of the day, you depend on your body and health to succeed.
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