Have you ever heard the saying "Healthy Mind, Healthy Life"? Its definition can take a different shape for everyone, but to me, it means to make conscious decisions that better yourself. While this hasn't always been a mantra I've followed, it's something that I am trying to incorporate in all parts of my life.
The "healthy choice" isn't always what experts deem to be healthy, it's the choice that is positive in your life. Choosing to eat wholesome nutritious foods over fast food is a healthy choice. Choosing to indulge in donuts over a protein shake for breakfast is a healthy choice (as long as it's not every day). Eat the foods your body needs to stay strong but also eat the foods that while crappy in nutritional value, are delicious and keep you sane. Find the balance.
College in itself can be a time that we find our selves torn in a million directions. Every day there are choices we make, try to make each of them benefit you in the best way they can. Choosing to say no to Thursday night margs over studying for a test the next morning is a healthy choice. Choosing to take a nap instead of heading to the library for the millionth time this semester is a healthy choice. If that nap is what's going to get you through the rest of the day/night to do what you have to get done, it shouldn't be a decision you feel guilty about.
Staying active is important, everyone knows that. It's a way to stay fit, release stress, and enjoy yourself if you find the right activity. That's my key tip when it comes to making a healthy choice on exercising, if you don't feel motivated running 5 miles on the treadmill-find something else to do. College gyms offer an abundance of classes, sports, and fitness activities to try, so don't waste your time, energy, and happiness trying to "stay in shape" when what you're actually doing is going through the motions-enjoying what your doing benefits not only your physical health, but your mental health as well.
The best part about going through life is learning. We learn new things every day, about the world, about others, and about ourselves. No one is going to wake up one day and make the right decision every time. It's a process that will likely never end. Our interests and abilities change over time and we adapt. But making a conscious decision to seek happiness in every aspect of our lives can only serve to enrich it further.
