So you’ve been on campus for a few weeks now and you’re not really feeling your best self. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. You’ve been at home for a few months, probably eating home-cooked meals, sleeping as late as you want, and having more time to yourself. It’s not as easy in college to stay healthy. You have a lot less time for yourself and honestly, your dining hall food isn’t really as nutritious as they advertised it to be when you were just a prospective high school student.
Although we all think being healthy is just about eating good foods, it’s so much more than that. Health is just as much mental as it is physical. Incorporating healthy habits into your college life will set you up for success.
1. Clean Up Your Living Space!
COVID-19 or not, you should be cleaning the area you live in. Not only will this keep you physically healthy, but it’s a great way to get yourself motivated to work. It’s proven that you’re more likely to get more work done when your workspace is neat. Not having to worry about making yourself space for your responsibilities makes tackling them all the better. Cleaning is also just a good way to clear your thoughts. If you’re having a stressful day, cleaning up can give you something to focus on other than your negative thoughts. Everyone loves a clean room and a clear mind!
2. Get 8 Hours Of Sleep!
I know this sounds nearly impossible as a college student, but it’s easier than you think. Making sure you get a full eight hours of sleep should be something that you work into your schedule. Most students are up late doing homework (or partying but we’ll look past that for now). If you schedule all of your work to complete in advance, you’ll leave yourself more time to rest at night. Sleep is super important for our bodies. It’s the only time our body can fully heal from any type of sicknesses and it’s a time for your mind to rest. Lack of sleep can cause you to get sick much easier, whether that’s physically or mentally.
3. Stay Active!
Exercising isn’t for everyone, but it’s still important to stay active. There are so many different ways to stay active on a college campus. Most colleges have gyms that students can access for free so if you have one, use it! If you’re not a gym person, your college probably still has other options for you to stay active. Good options are joining an intramural sports team or going on walks around campus. Even just walking for 10 minutes a day is beneficial to your health. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to be active publicly, you can do workouts in your room or even yoga! There are tons of videos of YouTube that can help you stay active without making you deal with the repetitiveness of working out. Take advantage of the things right at your fingertips!
4. Don’t Go For The Chicken Fingers and Fries!
The dining halls in colleges don’t always serve the best options, but that doesn’t mean that chicken fingers should be your “go-to”. With a little bit of effort, some of the food in your dining hall can be more nutritious than they seem. The salad bar probably doesn’t seem too appetizing alone, but what if you grab some bread and grilled chicken and make a nutritiously satisfying sandwich? The options are actually way more endless than they seem. You can even go to the nearest grocery store and grab some wholesome items that you can combine with the ones from your dining hall. You have to get creative with it. It may not be as convenient as grabbing the chicken fingers, but your body will thank you! Say goodbye to the College Chubs. They’re almost like the Freshman Fifteen except they last longer.
5. You Don’t Have To Attend Every Party
We all love a good college party, but we don’t have to go to every single one just because of that. It’s good to have fun, sure, but sometimes “fun” becomes “too much fun”. If you’re waking up the next morning after a party feeling more sickly than not, you’ve had “too much fun.” There’s a way to party without going overboard. This might mean calling it a night at 12 a.m. instead of 3 a.m., or drinking more water throughout the night than alcohol. You have to listen to your body. Just because your friend can stay out until 4 a.m. and still fully function the next day does NOT mean that you can too. Everyone is built differently. There will always be another party. Don’t feel bad about skipping out sometimes to get work done or to just have yourself a restful night. I promise you that you’re not missing much other than the same girl blacking out and passing out on the floor. SHE has had too much fun. Take notes.
6. Stay Hydrated
Everyone tells you this already, as they should. Drinking water is one of the most important ways to stay healthy. Water is good for pretty much everything, whether that’s your skin, your hair, your bowels, and even your mental health. It’s literally impossible to live without water. My favorite way to stay hydrated is by keeping a water bottle with me at all times that tracks how much I drink by the hour. It’s a great way to keep track of your water intake and it kind of mentally tricks you to want to drink more. Make water your best friend!
Although all of these tips definitely help you to stay healthy in college, the real key to staying healthy is by listening to your body. You know your own body better than anyone else. If you’re feeling run down, take a rest. If you’re feeling unmotivated, go for a walk or do something that would normally lift your spirits. Health is so personal to each individual and it’s important to pay attention to ourselves to make sure we’re giving your body the attention it needs. No one else is going to do it for you! Being healthy starts with you and it’s something you’ll thank yourself later for! Good luck!