It's easy to fall into the trap of not eating well, never going to the gym, and not taking care of your body when you first arrive at college. However, with just a few simple tricks, you'll realize that it's not that hard to be healthy and still have fun!
Substitute junk food for yummy snacks!
I am a huge late night snacker - I always feel like I need to be eating something while I do work so that I can stay awake and get my work done. However, there are good and bad ways to snack. Instead of devouring a huge bag of chips, I like to eat tons of popcorn (and I really do mean tons). Also fruits, crackers, and nuts are some of my go-to's, and they are much healthier then downing something fatty and greasy, especially late at night.
Get your exercise in fun ways!
I love being outside and walking around campus when it's warm out, and so those early morning walks to class are great for me! As a dancer, I get to exercise 3 times a week by doing some vigorous cardio, but that also means that I am with friends and doing something I am really passionate about. Find a type of workout that you like, and then implement it with friends. Gather some of your sorority sisters to go to spin class weekly. Take a yoga class in the Rec Center with the girls on your hall. Make it a fun social experience and you'll be more eager to work out regularly.
Take time to be alone and destress!
As much as I love a good social gathering, I know the importance of being alone and destressing. Whether it be reading a book or working on my blog, it's important for my mental health to not being working at max capacity 24/7. You need to do the things that you enjoy too - so sit down and watch Netflix for a little while, and you'll be glad you did.
Limit your spending!
It's sooo easy to get sucked into going out to eat and spending a ton when you're in college. Plan for special days when you're going to go out to eat, but be sure to make the most of your meal plan and don't go overboard with eating out. Sometimes when we go out to eat, we eat poorer as a treat to ourselves, and while that is okay every once in a while, sticking to the dining hall can help you choose healthier options more frequently. Plus, you'll have some extra money saved up that you can use to shop, go out, or whatever you choose, which is a great reward!
Allow yourself to indulge!
I firmly believe in the concept of 'everything in moderation,' which to me means that you deserve to have things you enjoy, but not consistently. In terms of shopping, I like to make purchases that I know I either really need or really, really want. For example, the sweater I'm wearing today - I resisted buying it about 5 times in the store, and after a while I knew that it was obviously a purchase I wouldn't regret, so I went ahead and ordered it online! I'm so glad that I did too, because this sweater is classic and won't ever go out of style, plus I adore the color. This same concept applies to eating as well. I love treating myself after a long week with some ice cream or a nicer dinner, and I almost always have a little bit of chocolate or candy on hand as study motivation.
Don't beat yourself up!
If you accidentally have a cheat day and don't follow through with your health goal, it's important to keep things in perspective. Instead of getting distraught and halting your progress all together, take a day or two to get back on track. Consistency is key, but keep in mind that your journey doesn't have to be perfectly linear. It's okay to make a few dips and turns.
Hydrate your body!
Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It keeps you feeling full, flushes your body of toxins, can clear up your skin, and makes you feel more energized. Drinking multiple glasses of water a day is ideal, and getting a cute water bottle to carry around at school is a great idea. I always reach for my water bottle when I bring it to class with me - I am almost always holding something or using my hands during the day and what better thing to be holding than a big water bottle! If water alone isn't your thing, adding fruits to infuse your water can be a really delicious option as well.
Hold yourself and your friends accountable!
Everything is easier if you have a team. Find a friend who has similar goals to you and keep each other in check so that you both stay on track. Plus, it's more fun to stay healthy when you have a workout partner.
Prepare for the worst!
I have an entire drawer in my desk dedicated to all sorts of medicine and treatments. From bandaids to Tylenol, you never know what might come up. First semester of your freshman year, you are very likely to get sick often because you are in a new environment with new people and new germs, and everyone is in such close quarters. Be sure to prepare for all different types of symptoms, such as runny noses, sore throats, and fevers. You'll be thankful to have everything you need on hand if and when the time comes!
Keep your environment clean!
Along the same lines, your new dorm environment can manifest a ton of germs. Make sure to take out the trash regularly, wash your hands a lot, and clean your bathroom if you have one. Just a few small steps can mean the difference between getting sick and staying well during the semester!
Make a plan!
It's easiest to follow through with your health goals by adding them into your daily routine. Plan to workout every Tuesday night at 7 PM, and actually stick to it. This also helps if you sign up for a regularly scheduled class, because you always know that it will be happening at the same time and place. Don't treat working out like an extra thing to do when you have free time, make it part of your routine and you'll be more likely to actually stick to it.
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