Staying healthy in college can be difficult. Over the past four years, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle. No one said it was easy, but it is WAY worth it! It’s important to stay healthy in college!
Pack Healthy snacks.
We’ve all been there. You’re halfway through a lecture and your stomach starts to growl. Not only is it embarrassing that the cute boy next to you just heard it, but now you can’t concentrate in class! Make sure to always have some sort of healthy snack with you. This could be as simple as a small bag of mixed nuts or even a banana. Chances are if you don’t have a snack with you, you’ll either run to the nearest food place or back to your dorm/apartment and binge on something that isn’t quite healthy. Be prepared and bring a snack! (Quick & Healthy Snacks for College Students)
Bring a water bottle EVERYWHERE.
Staying hydrated is extremely important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our bodies are made of 60% water! (usgs.gov) Keeping our bodies well supplied with water is important for it to function properly. Drinking water is the easiest thing to do when you have a water bottle with you. It’s portable, you can throw it in your backpack, purse, etc. Here are a few of my absolute favorite water bottles:
Set Goals for yourself! #DREAM
Staying motivated is extremely important. College can be tough, classes, homework assignments, projects, exams… it can get VERY overwhelming. To stay happy and healthy both physically and mentally it’s important to focus not just on our studies, but ourselves as well. Set at least one goal for yourself each month. Maybe it’s walking to class instead of riding the bus, or maybe it’s meditating once a day before bed. Doing something as simple as that can make a world of a difference.
Plan your meals.
[sociallocker id=”5871″] If you currently live on campus and eat at the dining centers this isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Your college or university most likely have a dining schedule posted online where you can find what’s being offered that day. Search around on your school’s website and once you find it start to plan! You’ve been there before so you know what they offer on a daily basis, salad bar, fresh fruit, etc. But what specifically are they offering that day? If you pick out what you want to eat before you get there you won’t end up at the cereal bar with a side of french fries and Diet Coke. Yes, we’ve all thought that cereal was a good dinner choice at some point. //Side note, does your school allow you to take a piece of fresh fruit out of the dining center? This is a great way to build up a stash of apples, bananas, oranges, etc.
If you live off campus or don’t have a meal plan then make a weekly meal schedule. Plan out EVERYTHING. Make sure to plan snacks too. I always plan for three snacks even though I usually only eat one. I’d rather have it planned then have to dig through the cupboard at the last minute and end up grabbing something unhealthy. Planning your meals can also help you save money at the grocery store!
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Trade your Coffee for Tea.
That Venti Iced Caramel Macchiato with extra caramel should NOT be your everyday drink. Not everyone is a tea drinker, try as many different ones as you can until you find the perfect tea for you! I promise there is one! Plus, making tea at home is not only more convenient, but it also saves you money!! Many teas have an added health benefit. Finding a tea that is soothing when you have a sore throat is a life saver! One of my favorites is Green tea. It’s known to boost your energy as well as your immune system. Here are some fun tea accessories to help you get excited about drinking tea!
Pick 1 FUN activity.
When I say activity, I literally mean activity. Like moving. Pick at least one thing you enjoy doing. Join an intramural volleyball or dodgeball team or go to that yoga class you love every week! Pick something that you look forward to attending. This can help you stay active and you’ll still be having fun! Plus, if you walk there you’re getting even more exercise. ?
Get a good nights sleep. Every Night.
Getting enough sleep is extremely important. Sleeping allows your brain to “cool down” and helps you retain any information you’ve learned throughout the day (How to Study for an Exam). Sleeping the recommended amount of time will help you to feel refreshed in the morning. You’ll have a much happier and refreshing morning if you aren’t grumpy and tired (How to have a Happier Morning).
Go to the Gym.
This is sort of an obvious one, but if you want to be the best version of you then working out is necessary to live a happy and healthy lifestyle. Even if you’re only there for 30min. it’s better than nothing. If working out in the gym isn’t for you, go to a local park or take a run around your campus! I love to pack a gym bag to help keep me motivated (What’s In My Gym Bag). To get me pumped before and during my workout I’ve created special playlists for running & exercising (Running & Workout Playlists)! If you can’t make it to the gym or outside for a workout, there are TONS and TONS of at home workouts you can do! Here’s my Quick and Easy 10-15min Workout that you can do at home! Also, one of my all time favorite guides are by Elle Fit Active, go check them out! ❤
Use a fitness tracker.
Using a fitness tracker to count your steps can be eye opening! You’ll realize either how little or how much you walk. I personally use my Fitbit Flex to track my daily activity. Setting a step goal for yourself and joining weekly or daily challenges can help keep you motivated! One college even requires it’s students to wear Fitbit trackers!! (nbcnews.com) Here are some of the various fitness trackers that Fitbit has to offer.
Socialize!
Yup, you heard that right! Talking to people can make you healthier! Maybe not physically, but definitely mentally. Simply chatting it up with your friends or parents can make a world of a difference if you’re having an off day. You can do any of the above activities with your friends. Plan your weekly meals, join an intramural sports team together, set goals and keep each other accountable! Being mentally happy helps your body to perform at it’s best.
Using these 10 tips will help you feel more energized and healthy than you’ve been in a while. Staying happy and healthy is one of the most important things that you need to achieve while in college. Today is the day to start being a better you! Always strive to reach your goals and dreams, never give up on your aspirations. Staying motivated is key! Subscribe to my newsletter to get monthly inspiration posts!
What do you do to stay happy and healthy in college?
