Your body is your temple. It is the sole possession of yourself, and you can do with it as you please. Naturally, we all want our bodies to be well taken care of. Unfortunately, some of us have had to learn the hard way that the behavioral habits we develop in college can affect our bodies in the long run. Some habits we have broken and others, not so much. Fear not; we are not alone! Most collegiettes experience some sort of change in their bodies, and here are 5 major things every collegiette should be aware of:
1. The “freshman 15” is NOT a myth.
You’ve read about it in those magazines geared towards our girly consciences. You’ve heard about it from friends, family and those unrealistic TV shows about college life. I hate to break it to you, but the rumors are true. The “freshman 15” does indeed exist.
In college, you have the freedom to do what you want, when you want. Sleep. Workout. Shop. Party. Eat. Now, let’s back up for a minute. Having the freedom to eat what you want, when you want? Sounds great, right? Maybe you’ll have the number #1 from Chick-Fil-A three times a week because you can, or maybe you’ll visit the Fresh Food Company four times a day because you feel like it! But be warned! Making a routine out of these habits can pack on the pounds quickly! Maybe you’ve noticed your friends have packed on a few pounds when you went back home, or maybe you’ve noticed your jeans feeling too tight. Maybe you have all fallen victim to the “freshman 15”.
My best advice?
This isn’t actually my advice, but more so, advice I got from my dad. It’s perfectly sensible though! “You don’t have to taste every free sample in Wal-Mart.” In other words, just because you can have it, or it’s easily available to you, doesn’t mean you have to get it. Trust me, Seymour’s and Stone’s Throw aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
2. Too much partying can takes its toll physically.
Breaking news! Yes, I said it. Partying can and will affect the way your body operates over time. Think about it. You’re going to be exhausted after every party you attend, and the consecutive hangovers you could possibly get won’t help you get out of bed for that 8 AM class that you dread even on your most sober of days. Now, I know it’s tempting to try to outdo your best friends by pounding down fifteen jello shots in 20-minutes time, and the hunch-punch might be the one thing you look forward to on your night outings. However, you risk paying for it in the morning when it comes back up… and you know exactly what I mean.
My best advice?
Keep the partying to a minimum. You don’t have to be completely anti-social, but there’s nothing wrong with saying no to a night out. Give your body time to rejuvenate for a few days—or maybe even a week--- with some sleep.
