Truth be told, being healthy is actually really hard. There is a conscious effort that must be put into having a healthy life. Here are some easy swaps you can make to live a little healthier.
Switch coffee for tea.
I know, people need their morning coffee. I can't say that I'm 100% coffee free, but tea is so much better for you. Plain black coffee gets the body going, aids digestion, and opens the capillaries in the brain. But, when you add multiple spoons of sugar and heavy creamer the coffee loses its health benefits. Tea on the other hand, can boost your metabolism while waking you up. Most teas like white, green and black, have caffeine, so you won't have to try to wean yourself off the addictive liquid. Most teas don't need sugar or milk to taste delicious, and simultaneously give health benefits such as clearing and making skin look more radiant, weight loss, anxiety relief, and not to mention, no coffee breath.
Take the stairs and skip the elevator.
If you're going up 20 flights, I suggest taking the elevator. However, if you're only going up a couple flights, take the stairs. It's a mini cardio workout that can really boost your energy. You'd actually be amazed how many calories you burn just by walking or climbing the stairs. IPhone Tip: Get a calorie tracker that syncs with the step tracker already on your phone. You'll be able to see exactly how many calories you're burning just from walking!
Doing your work outside instead of inside.
The weather on campus is unreliable, but the sun is starting to come out and it's time to take the parkas off. Doing homework or even just relaxing outside can have some major benefits. All that extra vitamin D you get to soak up is good for your skin as well as your mood. During the winter months, you can be deficient in vitamin D, so it's time to put on some sunscreen and make up for lost time. The fresh air can boost your mood and rev up your energy. So really, why not spend some time outdoors?
Talking about your problems instead of emotional eating.
As much as physical health is important, having good mental health is key to a healthy life. Talking to someone about your problems can not only bond you both, but it can take the stress away. Emotional eating is a very big problem in the US, and it stems from not talking about your problems. So, when you pick up that extra bit of food even though you're not even remotely hungry, it may mean you need to speak about what's bothering you. If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone, you can always write about it. Journaling is a great alternative if you feel like you'll be judged for your feelings.
Pick up a book in place of picking up the remote.
Being a college student, you may think you don't have time to read, right? Wrong! Think of all the time you spend watching Netflix. Say you skipped one episode a day to just pick up a book that isn't required for a class. Personally, I started reading for at least a half hour before bed every night and just this semester I've finished five books. Reading for fun is a good habit not only for your brain function, but also to relieve stress. It's healthy to set aside a time in the day where you can be by yourself and relax. Even if you decide that reading a book isn't your forte, you can still find a stress relieving activity to do daily. Set a certain time (like before bed or between classes), and do whatever you need to get your mind awake. I recommend trying yoga or even just going for a walk around the block to clear your head.
