College students are kind of known for getting by on a few things. Whethere it be it not making their own food to wearing the same pair of pants for a week straight. Not that I have, but it could be said that this is just a phase. It’s just what college students do and with that being said, I wondered recently if vitamins were one of those forgotten things. They’re something I’ve always struggled to keep up with. Sure, gummy vitamins exist so you’re reminded of the nostalgia of eating gummy bears, but there’s still the point to make taking them a routine. However, I know I’m not the only one who’s not on top of the daily vitamin game. I asked about a dozen friends if they took vitamins daily, and if not daily, then at least once a week. Plenty of my friends don’t or haven’t in years.
Over the last couple years, I had heard of Care/of and their online quiz that asks what you want out of your vitamins, and afterwards they’ll send you a box full of daily vitamin packets. I just thought this was so clever and knew I had to test it out! I was impressed with the inviting formatting and fun style of the quiz. The questions were based on a multitude of dietary habits and environmental factors. When I received the box, it was like Christmas morning opening presents. There were seven pills in total; two small ones of melatonin, for sleep related issues, one of fish oil and so on. All in all, I was not mentally prepared to be taking all seven at once. I challenged myself to take about half in the morning, then some later in the day. Still, no luck. You could say my fear of pills when I was younger may have sparked up after taking the third pill.Â
Now, I’m buckling down. I recognize that maybe this is not just my issue and maybe others don’t have the time or the awareness to include pill(s) in their daily routine. As college students, we may be all over the map in a given week. The only thing keeping us afloat is the consistency of our class schedule. However, I challenge myself, and you, to look at your vitamin intake (if you have one or not) and ask whether it may help. I was aware that I couldn’t sleep some nights, and taking melatonin really did make a difference. I’m also aware that it’s wintertime and my skin, especially my nails, could use some love from vitamin D. Whatever it may be, perhaps research some stressor or complication you’re having and start with one vitamin that could help.Â
If you need one more push, think of this as self care. We’re living in a lavish age of wellness affirmation and proactivity, so interpret this as such. Move over candles and bubble baths… this is a wonderful way to love yourself from within!