With college beginning again it is incredibly easy to get caught up in partying and junk food. It is especially beneficial that we all recognize the importance of eating healthy and exercising. Between schoolwork and friends, the convenience of fast food and lack of motivation to go to the gym is a deadly mixture that often leads to the "Freshman 15" that so many college students dread. Staying active and eating healthy may benefit your waistline, but it can also help you in many other ways.
The most obvious reason to stay active and eat healthy foods is the benefits it has on your overall health short term and long term. The risk for certain diseases is significantly lowered and your heart becomes increasingly stronger the more "in shape" you become. Allergies can be improved as well as bone density, lowering your risk of fractures. We're young and don't think it's necessary to thing of these things now, but sooner or later it will catch up to us. Don't worry, if this doesn't motivate you to get fit and eat healthy I have plenty more reasons to convince you to make healthier choices.
Being active, even if just for a short time, can act as an antidepressant and clears your mind from stress and anxiety. Scientific studies have actually proven that exercise improves your mood because it releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine into your brain. The stress hormone, cortisol, is cleared out of your system as well. Healthier foods can also have the same effect on your mind. Think about that when classes get tougher or you had a bad day, instead of binge watching Netflix while eating a pint of ice cream.
Being healthy can improve confidence and self-esteem. If you feel good, you're going to be radiating with confidence. Your skin will be clearer, you'll look and feel younger, and you'll be stronger. They say confidence is key, and the more confident you are the better you will perform at work and in school.
Healthy foods and being active has been proven to increase brain power. As a student with tough classes, the more brain power the better, right? Short term, your memory, ability to learn, and ability to read are all increased. Long term effects include a decreased risk in degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer's. Healthy fats, antioxidants, DHA, and protein have similar effects on your brain. What better way to help you get through the semester?
When people think of reasons to get fit and eat healthy it is typically because they want to look better. Though healthy habits will have an effect on this, it is important to not get caught up in this aspect. Healthy habits have many benefits to your health, mind, and soul. I encourage everyone to try to make healthier eating choices, as well as go to the gym. It's completely fine to go out to eat with your friends or order take out every once in a while, as long as it doesn't become a habit. Old habits are difficult to break, but the benefits of a healthier lifestyle largely outweighs the struggles you will have to endure to get there.
