Summer is a time to relax and get your life "under control" free of school and its pressures. To be completely honest, it's hard to be healthy during the school year (especially if you're a college student), so summer's the perfect time to pick up some healthy habits! Here's 5 to get you started this summer.

1. Make a regular sleep schedule a priority.

During the school year we all know it's sometimes hard to get the "recommended" amount of sleep we should. However, if you take the summer to get on a regular sleep schedule it becomes more routine, and you'll be more likely to prioritize sleep... because it's important.

2. Get outside to exercise.

Summer is great because you have so much more time to exercise. Even better, the weather is great, and you don't even need a gym membership to keep active (if you're like me and usually prefer the gym). Go for a walk. Swim. Go swing on a swingset. The opportunities are endless, so just try to get outside because every bit of exercise counts.

3. Fruit.

Yeah, this may sound dumb. Obviously fruit is great all year round and obviously healthy, but there's nothing like fruit in the middle of the summer. It just tastes better. AKA, eat as much of it as you can while it's at its peak.

4. Read a good book.

Mental health is just as important as physical health (I repeat, mental health is just as important as physical health). Take the time this summer to read a great book you've always wanted to, or get recommendations from friends. During the school year, it's hard to read for pleasure when you truly should be reading your assigned textbook reading (even though you probably aren't), so take full advantage of this time! After all, not all reading is horrible.

5. Pay attention to what you're eating.

During the school year, it's very easy to just grab food on-the-go. This may mean dining hall or fast food, and sometimes you don't make the healthiest of choices (like that pizza you ordered at 3 a.m. while you were studying for your huge test). Summer is a great time to detoxify your body and really look at the foods you're putting into your body. Learn to make new healthy recipes. Try something you've always wanted to.

Take full advantage of this time off of school to *reinvent yourself* and get healthier. Your body will thank you!