Let’s face it: being a student is exhausting. Studying, going to class, attending 8 a.m. classes, maintaining a social life, participating in clubs, internships, and sports. Many students find themselves busy from the second they turn off their iPhone alarms to the moment their heads hit the pillow. Although everyone’s schedule varies, something applies especially to each and every college student: the importance of taking care of yourself. Going to college ups the ante quite a bit when it comes to taking care of yourself. Up until college, your parents primarily take care of you. They make sure you’re nourished, on track, and rested. However, once you’re at school, it’s solely your responsibility to take care of you. Yes, you have friends who will support you, but they aren’t you; they don’t know your needs and your body. So, what are the variables in the taking care of yourself equation?

Back to basics.

• Seven to eight hours of sleep per night
• At least two meals a day (although you should really be eating three)
• Hydration throughout the day
• Daily exercise

You’ve heard these ever since you were in elementary school and you will continue to for the rest of your life. But just because you’re in college right now, doesn’t mean you should pretend that they don’t exist. Your body is what keeps you going. Do yourself a favor and keep your body fueled and energized to the best of your ability.

Implementing happiness.

Setting time aside every day to do things that you love and make you happy are key components to your mental and physical well being. That may include binge watching a favorite show on Netflix, baking cookies, going to the gym or for a run, journaling, calling your parents, painting or drawing, kicking a soccer ball around with a friend, listening to music at your favorite coffee shop, etc. Your lives are busy, and there are things (homework and studying) that must get accomplished in a given day, but you should be able to incorporate at least two hours of non-stressful activities that bring you to your happy place.

Support system.

Having a solid support system is another component to taking care of yourself. Many of the people in your support system are your friends at school. They have similar experiences as you do and understand the daily struggles of being a student at your school. Friends are those who motivate you, make you laugh, and create lasting memories with you. They will be there for you during your highest highs and your lowest lows. It’s important to keep them in the loop with the happenings in your life because they will be your shoulder to lean on. In addition, you can include adults on campus in your support system -- your advisor, your favorite professor, a school counselor. It’s their job to provide sage advice, whether or not you’re in a predicament. Don’t forget: your friends from high school and your parents are only a call away. They know you best, and hearing their voices will immediately make you feel comforted when you need to be.

“Me time.”

Being surrounded by your closest friends outside of class and on the weekends is great. However, college students learn to value time spent alone. It can be exhausting being around people all the time (which happens in college), so make it a priority to have alone time during the week. It’s okay to want to do something by yourself, and it’s okay to hang out in public by yourself. Time alone plays a tremendous role in making sure that you recharge your body and energy level, so use it and enjoy it!

Balance.

Balance is huge when it comes to taking care of yourself. Eating a balanced diet, balancing time spent watching Netflix and doing school work, balancing alone time and friend time, balancing going out and staying in. Find out what works best for you and what makes you feel your best. But don’t forget to include a little bit of everything throughout your day.

Taking care of yourself seems rather simple, but it can be challenging as you lead a hectic, college life. With that said, if you make it a priority, there won’t be as many consequences your body has to endure. College is supposed to be fun and an unforgettable experience. The first step to making that happen is taking care of yourself!