Many collegiettes, caught up in the stress and the on-going party that is college, find themselves committing the ‘7 deadly sins of college.’ Although these sins might not be as ‘wrong’ as pride, envy, gluttony, wrath, greed, lust, and sloth, they, among other things, damage the body inside and out.
1. Leaving makeup on while you sleep. Foundations are the worst to sleep in because they prevent the skin from renewing itself naturally at night, causing blackheads, acne, & dullness. Sleeping in eye makeup repeatedly may clog the tiny hair follicles and oil glands in your eyelids. If this happens, bacteria build up, resulting in the formation of small bumps.
2. Skimping at mealtime. Not eating enough food prevents you from gaining muscle. It also slows your metabolism, which causes your body to store fat. You will find yourself hungrier throughout the day, and thus more likely to snack on impulse. Unfortunately, snacks are not a fill-in for proper nutrition and food intake. Try to eat a palm-sized portion of protein at every meal to help you stay full all day long.
3. Not drinking enough water. Hydrating gives you a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. Not drinking enough water can dry out your skin, leaving it more susceptible to wrinkling. When skin is hydrated, plump, and elastic, it is less likely to crack and let in external particles that can cause irritations and blemishes.
4. Falling asleep with Netflix on—or using any technology before going to sleep. The bright light emitted by computer, phone, and TV screens suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that tells your brain that it’s bedtime. Looking at these screens before bed keeps you awake longer, thus negatively affecting the quality of sleep. When you don’t sleep soundly, it shows in your face and eyes the next day.
5. Ignoring your mental health. By taking care of yourself mentally, you achieve better physical health, too. Just as physical health problems can lead to mental distress, mental health disorders can impair physical health, such as sleep disturbances or impaired immunity. Admit to yourself when something is wrong or when you need help. If you take care of yourself mentally as well as physically, you will improve the overall quality of your life.
6. Comparing yourself to others. Scrutinizing your own image against that of others damages your self-esteem, and often leads to jealousy, depression, and low self-confidence. Being too hard on yourself can actually impair your own motivation. Measure yourself based on how far you’ve come and strive for your own personal best.
7. Not putting yourself first. As a busy college student, you may focus so heavily on what’s going on around you that you forget to check up on yourself. Don’t compromise your happiness and well-being for the difference between a 100 and a 94, because in the end, there’s no difference. Spend time with your friends on the hall and just laugh a little. Depriving yourself from joy and relief only sets you back.