The freedom to make your choices is something you look forward to in college. Living on your own and not depending on your parents gives you some personal space, And it is normal to enjoy the fun of hanging out with friends till dawn during college years.
But it is also important to remember that college is the time to build habits that will shape your future. Of course, you can stop smoking or eating hamburgers for every meal when you become an adult. But it is much harder to give up a bad habit than not to develop it at all, isn’t it? Moreover, you can focus on healthy daily routines instead.
Studying all day (or sometimes even night) long and living a healthy lifestyle at the same time sound utopian to most students. Isn’t cramming from dusk till dawn the reason why you eat junk food and do not sleep enough? It is time to develop the first healthy habit: delegating. Professionals can write a paper for you to give you some rest. Someone can do your home assignment, but only you can be responsible for your health and inner harmony.
Do you brush your teeth twice a day without anyone forcing or reminding you? This is because your parents instilled this habit in you, and you keep following this pattern. Let us have a look at something else you can introduce into your life to be healthier.
Get Enough Sleep
A lot of college students look like Edward Norton in the Fight Club movie. Bags under the eyes show that they definitely do not sleep enough. Sometimes they sacrifice sleep for studying or parties. Neither is good for their bodies and mental well-being.
In some companies, the management has a very wise approach to this issue. When they see the employee yawning despite the fifth cup of espresso, they let them take a nap in a special room. You should use the same principle when you feel exhausted. Allow yourself to rest for a couple of hours instead of torturing your organism with energy drinks. You will see how productive you can become after just a few hours of sleep.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Homemade dishes are always healthier than frozen food from the supermarket or fast food. Your immediate counter argument will be a lack of time for preparing anything. Let us look at this from a completely different angle.
Cooking with your dorm mates is a great social event that allows you to split the costs. You can also make cooking shifts to minimize the time spent in the kitchen. Still, you will always have hot homemade dishes for everyone.
If possible, plan food that will last for more than one meal (a stew or a curry). Put your money together with your dorm mates to create a kitchen store cupboard with healthy spices and herbs. Thanks to their healthy properties, they will help you concentrate on your studies and add flavor to your dishes. Make sure that you also have plenty of the right snacks: apples instead of chocolate bars or nuts instead of chips.
When you become an adult, you will be grateful to yourself for adopting this habit. In the long term, it will reduce the risk of chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and improve mental health.
Exercise Regularly
A personal trainer or a gym is great for everyone apart from a student on a budget. Squats, push-ups, or plank are simple exercises that can be done in a small space like a dorm room and require no equipment. You can also start your day with a morning walk to energize you for studying. So, as you see, you can improve your fitness level even if you have a busy schedule.
This habit will come in handy when you leave college and start working. It is unlikely that you are going to have more time when you get employed and married. By continuing to do simple exercises, you can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Stay Hydrated
Take a bottle of water with you for your morning run. Always have some on your table when you are studying. Do not forget to drink water during breaks in college. These recommendations are very easy to follow, but your organism will be so grateful. You will help your body to function correctly, remove waste, and regulate temperature.
Go Offline
When your eyes are glued to the screen, it is easy to forget that there is a beautiful world outside your smartphone. Spending a lot of time in front of your laptop or with your phone in your hand is also detrimental to your physical health.
Poor eyesight is something that often starts during college years, and you cannot unwind the time later to change it. Scrolling the newsfeed before going to bed interferes with sleep quantity and quality. Try to develop a habit of spending less time online when you are still a college student.
Manage Stress
Living away from home and managing your life often result in anxiety and depression. At first, college students are excited about their freedom. But when they realize that they need to balance their studies, work, and personal life, it can become more than they can chew.
Do not feel shy to address a counselor when you feel overwhelmed. There is nothing wrong with you; perhaps, you just need a break. Delegate your essay to experienced paper writing services, take a few days off work, and ask your friends to take your cooking shifts. You will catch up with work and cooking later. All you need now is to find inner peace and harmony.
Bottom Line
College is a time to learn and grow, but it’s important to prioritize your health. By getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress, you can set yourself up for a healthy and happy future. Remember that small habits can make a big difference over time, so start building healthy habits now!
