Everyone can agree that right now is a wonderful time. Unless you live in Texas, the leaves are changing colors, the temperatures are getting cooler, and you can now wear your favorite sweater or scarf. You're probably going to Starbucks and ordering those pumpkin coffees, eating pumpkin pie, and decorating your own pumpkins for Halloween. On the downside, the days are getter shorter and the sun is rising later. That means that those early morning workouts you did during the summer months are going to be more difficult to do because when you wake up, it is still dark outside.
During the winter time, it is especially difficult to work out. You'll find every excuse in the book to not hit the gym or go for a run outside: it's too cold to go outside, I'm too tired, it's still dark outside, I have a lot of homework to do, etc. Especially if you live in the South, comfort food is going to help you cope with stress instead of getting sweaty (yay Thanksgiving turkey!). Your depression levels will probably go up (especially during finals week and especially if you have seasonal affective disorder) because you're not getting enough sunlight during the day. Since you're spending more time indoors instead of studying outside, taking a nap in your favorite hammock, camping, hiking, flying a kite, playing frisbee, or jogging around your local neighborhood or on the track, running up and down the football stadium stairs, etc... you are going to get sick (let's just hope it's just a cold and not the flu, but even a cold is pure misery).
Indeed finding time and the motivation to work out and eat a well balanced diet is problematic and may even seem impossible. However, do not fear. I think I have found some tips...
1) Find a workout buddy. Seriously. If you have a friend to workout with, you can push each other and hold each other accountable.
2) Take advantage of the exercise classes and gyms nearby your college campus. I know at TCU, students can go to the Rec anytime they want (for "free") because they already paid for the facilities with their tuition money. If you have no motivation for working out indoors alone, join an exercise class. Although you will have to pay extra to attend and participate, it definitely will help keep you motivated.
3) If you want something hot during the winter time, heat up some tea, cook some vegetable and/or noodle soup up, some oatmeal, heat up a bottle of water, or bundle up. Yes, I know that it's cold outside and that your dorm or apartment heater might not work as well as you would like, but limit the comfort food.
4) Drink plenty of water. You might not be sweating as much visibly, but you still do need to keep yourself hydrated especially since it is dry outside. Also, you might be dehydrated if you're feeling tired or sluggish all the time so drink up.
5) If you're sick, stay at home. It's not cool if you come to school and spread the "love" (ahem germs). If you are not allergic to eggs or have no medical conditions, consider getting the flu shot as well. Oh and follow your mother's advice: WASH YOUR HANDS after you use the restroom, handle something that is dirty, cough or sneeze, and before and after meals.
6) Get plenty of sleep. Yes, I know that we have a lot of studying to do and have busy lives, but sleep is important. Please don't go around and say that sleep is for the weak. Sleeping helps repair the damage you did to your body throughout the day (especially if you worked out or exposed yourself to germs).
7) Please eat breakfast. Your body will thank you. If you don't have time to prepare breakfast or you are not a morning person, consider making oatmeal the night before and putting it into your fridge so you can enjoy it on the go.
8) If you decide to work out outside, make sure that you layer up. Even though your body will warm up as you work out, insufficient layering can cause hypothermia. So make sure that you have those ear muffs, those tights, that sporty jacket, and those mittens handy.
