The start of another school year is upon us, and we're all making the same promises to ourselves that we always do: this year we will be on our A game. We are going to live healthier, more fulfilled lives. Unfortunately, we all tend to see a drop off in these goals about a month into school. Instead of hitting the gym, we binge watch Netflix. Rather than eating clean, we consume thousands of calories in alcohol. This list is made up of my goals for the year, and I hope you join me in striving to reach every one of them!
1. Take advantage of the Recreation Center
I know how it is, honestly. It's really hard to find time in your day to work out, especially when you're just beginning a new semester. You don't want to work out before class and be all sweaty during lecture; you don't want to wake up early and hit the gym because you were up super late last night; you don't have time to go after class because you have a huge exam to study for. The excuses go on and on. But once you make working out a mandatory part of your daily schedule, it becomes so much easier. When you begin to feel the effects of your workout, you won't want to skip a day because it has such amazing benefits. The endorphins released during a workout put you in a better mood all day, and although changes may be slow, you'll finally start seeing that body progress you've been wanting for years. Plus, the rec has free classes! Freshman and sophomore year combined, I attended three classes at the rec. This year I have promised myself I'll go to more because they're a great motivator and an awesome workout.
2. Actually use the kitchen (or two) in my apartment
That's right. My apartment has two kitchens. I officially have zero excuses not to cook. The sad truth is this: many of us swear that we will make healthy home cooked meals all the time now that we have a kitchen rather than a meal plan, but somewhere along the line we end up having mac and cheese for dinner every night. What? There are so many easy, healthy recipes to make (even on a college budget!). Try crockpot recipes. All you have to do is throw a bunch of ingredients into your crockpot before you leave for class, let it cook, and voila—a home cooked meal is waiting for you when you get home! You can make crockpot chicken, pasta, oatmeal, enchiladas—so many possibilities! Another option is preparing meals at the beginning of the week. If I had to pick a day of the week in which I was the least productive, it would be Sunday. Seriously, I manage to kill time until 9 p.m. on Sunday and then wonder where my whole day went. Instead of wasting time lying in bed staring at the ceiling, try this: prepare a few meals you can stick in the freezer and take out when you're ready to make them. Put some seasoning on chicken and freeze it. Make a baked pasta dish and freeze it. Prepare burgers and freeze them until the night you want to cook them. This is a great way to have easy meals waiting for you when you get home from class!
3. Explore different study spots on campus
Freshman year my favorite study spot was the Law Library. Sophomore year I frequented MERF (Medical Educational Research Facility, for those of you who aren't familiar with the west side). There is no shortage of study spots on Iowa's campus. If you're anything like me, you need the perfect balance to study. Not too noisy, but not overly quiet. Enough natural light so you don't feel locked up. A big space so you can spread your many study materials out. This year I want to check out a few more new places that I have either never studied at, or only gone to a couple of times. The Biology Building, Art Building West, Hardin Library, etc. If you search University of Iowa study spots, you're bound to discover limitless options, so you too can discover the most effective spot for you!
4. Walk!
So many of us fall into the trap of thinking our houses/apartments/dorms are so far off campus. But in all honesty, Iowa's campus is not that big! No matter where you are on campus, you are in walking distance to any other campus building (I know this because I had no choice but to walk from the west side to the east side in the 10 measly minutes between two classes sophomore year). Instead of always opting for a ride with your friend who's driving, or catching a bus at one of the stop, try walking! It can offer some great time for reflection and personal time. Pop in some headphones and relax to some of your favorite songs while you walk to class. Or find a friend in your class and walk together for some quality conversation on your way. If you feel that walking is too slow, try biking instead. Either option is terrific for getting in some extra exercise and a little extra time to yourself. You're only in college once—in a couple of years you'll be dealing with traffic on your morning commute to work. Take advantage of being within walking distance of everywhere you need to be!
These goals are relatable for all college students, and I'll be holding myself personally accountable for all of them! If you find them suitable for you, give it a go. Let's make this year the best one yet!
