Welcome back to that chaotic time of year! Our tan lines are fading, we wake up a lot earlier, and the sound of the ocean seems just too far away. As we welcome our 8 a.m. classes, hot cups of coffee, and sleepless nights, it is important to also remember our health. When the words "college student" are brought up, a few things that come to mind are parties, stress, and being poor. Well, here is a helpful guideline to make this semester seem like smooth sailing! Can anyone else not stop thinking about the ocean?

Tip #1: Meal prep, meal prep, meal prep.

Those two words might make anyone groan after a long day, but it's worth it. School cafeteria food can be filled with sodium and additives to leave students feeling groggy and bloated. No one can sit through physics class while in a food coma. Dedicate one night a week to make snack bags for yourself. Get creative and use energy-fueling foods such as fruit, trail mix, and protein bars. Not only will you have energy to tackle your day, you will also save some money!

Tip #2: Don't waste your precious time.

You know those two hours in between your classes that you spend on Pinterest? Try scheduling out that time to get a head start on assignments and homework. That time might seem like a nuisance in the middle of your day, but they can definitely help you get ahead of the game when you least expect it!

Tip #3: Fit in your fitness.

We all have this great idea of balancing school, work, life, and let's add in fitness. The idea of scheduling in another activity in our schedules makes us want to hire personal assistants. With the help of YouTube and Pinterest, we now have access to 30-minute workout routines and videos whenever and where ever we want! And the best part, they are free!

Tip #4: Back to the basics.

Remember how many times our parents told us to wash our hands or drink our orange juice? They were on to something. A big part of having a successful semester is to keep our immune systems up and running. Nothing ruins a midterm like a sore throat and backpack filled with dirty tissues. Revert back to elementary school days and wash those hands often!

Tip #5: Old habits die hard.

The best tip is to get yourself into a routine. By the time midterms roll around all of these healthy habits will become second nature. You will find yourself feeling great and ready to take on all of those final exams. Next stop...holiday break!