1. Wash your face dailyAfter a night out when your bed is calling you, it seems easy to skip out on washing your face. Resist this urge and wipe off your makeup; it only takes a minute and helps your skin immensely.
2. Do not smokeWe all remember those terrifying pictures of smoker’s lungs from middle school health class. Not only does smoking harm most organs in your body and puts you at higher health risks, but also the cost of maintaining this habit is astronomical over time. Put the cigarette down, it is not worth it.
3. Start each day with a fresh perspective
My roommate has a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote on our fridge that I read every morning: “Today is a new day!” Do not let the problems of yesterday put you in a bad mood before the day has even begun. Remember that every day is a fresh start, so treat it like one.
4. Drink more waterWater is a very important component of healthy living. Dehydration occurs easily, which has many negative health effects, so start by keeping a water bottle nearby. If you are struggling try one of these 7 tips to staying hydrated!
5. UnplugThis tip should be no surprise given the extent to which we use our iPhones, laptops, iPads, and other high-tech devices. These days it seems like our lives revolve around our phones, and losing them would be like cutting off our arm. Try to give your eyes a break from all these screens and take a technology break.
6. Stop being your biggest criticThis tip is definitely easier said than done. Sometimes it is the standards we set for ourselves are what beat us up the most. Cut yourself some slack, and realize that perfection is unattainable and overrated!
7. Wear sunscreen
This is the advice my grandma used to give me when she came over for holidays. Although I would roll my eyes at the idea of putting sunscreen on during winter, she was right. Wearing sunscreen daily can make you look younger and reduce your risks of skin cancer. Plus most makeups contain SPF!
8. Take your vitaminsRemember those Flintstones vitamins you used to eat as a kid? Well vitamins are not just for kids! Taking vitamins daily can ensure that your body gets important nutrients. Plus nowadays they make delicious gummies for adults that are fun to eat.
9. Don’t miss the gynoI know the idea of those stirrups makes us all cringe, but this is a tip you really should not skip. It is really important to get an annual pap smear and check in with your doctor about your body’s health.
10. Read labels
This is a simple habit to try out when you are buying groceries. Reading the labels of foods ensures that you know what you’re putting into your body. If there are tons of different words listed that you cannot even pronounce, consider a different option.
11. Catch some Z’sGetting sleep is essential to your overall health. Aim to get six to eight hours every night if you can. Listen to your body. If you are exhausted it is okay to stay in and give yourself a break.
12. Always wear a seatbeltAlways. Seatbelts save lives, so do not forget to wear yours.
13. Move your bodyTry to find time in your day to exercise. From walking to class to a quick run on the treadmill, exercising regularly has tons of health benefits. Remember you do not need to set aside two-hour workouts daily, just find some time to get your body moving!
14. Give yourself some “Me” time
Sometimes after a bad day or a stressful exam we need some time to decompress. It is okay to hull up in your room for a few hours and catch up on the latest episodes of Scandal. We all need a break sometimes, so don’t feel guilty escaping from the world for a little while.
15. Wake up earlierGetting up a little earlier gives you time to sit down and eat breakfast, read the news, or pick out the perfect outfit. Instead of rolling out of bed and rushing to class, cut out the extra stress by waking up at your first alarm.
16. Read for pleasureThis can be tricky during the semester with all the reading for class, but consider finding a good book to read before bed. Books give us an escape and allow our minds to wander—a necessary break after a long day.
17. Eat the rainbow
Ever heard of the rainbow diet? Well, it is not an actual diet, but it is a great way to ensure that your body gets a variety of nutrients. Look at your dinner plate: if it is all the same color, consider grabbing a fruit or vegetable side.
18. Listen moreWe all have two ears and one mouth for a reason.
19. Budget
Take some time to figure out how much money you have and are willing to spend during the week. Creating and sticking to a budget will come in handy post-graduation, so figuring out a budget now will help later on.
20. Say “No”It is okay to say no sometimes! Do not feel like you have to do everything that comes your way. Stay true to yourself and say no!
21. Smile!You don’t own all the problems in the world.
22. Snack wellTry keeping healthy snacks in your purse or backpack. Options like nuts, fruits, veggies and hummus, and granola bars are easy to take on the run and will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
23. Live the Golden Rule“Do unto others” is a guideline we should all follow. Remember that we are all humans and that we should always be treated with respect and kindness.
24. Ask for what you wantTaking a note from Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In”, develop the habit of asking for what you want! How else are you going to get it? When you start to ask you will be amazed at how quickly you will get what you want!
25. Choose happiness
Always.