Is your day jam-packed from the time your alarm goes off in the morning to the minute your head hits the pillow at night? You aren’t alone. College students are told that now is the time to join clubs, get volunteer experience, start internships, make money and create friendships that last a lifetime…all while maintaining a good GPA. It doesn’t just sound hard, it is hard. It’s great to have drive and ambition, but they can have a detrimental impact on your mental and physical health.
Mental health
When you are busy from dawn until dusk, your mental health suffers. If you get too wrapped up in one thing, another might get overlooked and you’ll wind up unprepared. A downward spiral is easy to get caught in so it’s important to keep yourself on track so that you’re always at your best and brightest.
A Brain as Sharp as your Pencil
Taking breaks during your day is not only recommended, but it is essential. Staring at a computer screen can not only harm your vision but also result in headaches that will just lead to more stress. Wearing yourself thin can even result in illness and depression. List-making is a great way to keep yourself organized and prioritized. Perspective is the most important thing – don’t micromanage to the point where you miss the big picture of achieving success and happiness. A balance is possible – you just have to learn your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your lifestyle to manage them.
Physical health
Are treadmills haunting your dreams and the bikini in your bottom drawer lingering in the back of your mind? It can be hard to make time for a workout when your days are full of work, clubs and homework. But maintaining your physical health is just as important as achieving your goals.
Food and fitness for a hectic schedule
It’s easier to grab a slice of pizza on-the-go then it is to sit down and dive into a salad, but eating healthy is the first step to maintaining physical health. Packing nutritious snacks like carrots and hummus help to keep you looking good, but they also help fuel your mind with fiber and vitamins. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator and going the longer route to class are great ways to burn a few more calories without taking up too much extra time.
Tips to Stay Healthy While Staying Busy
- Get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of water. This helps you stay focused and energized.
- Make a schedule. You might have a little more time to workout then you might think.
- Sleep in your workout clothes. This helps motivate you in the morning if you want to fit in a run or gym session before class.
- Most gyms are open late at least one day a week. Find out if you have that option, since it might work into your schedule better.
- Keep some equipment at home. Fifteen minutes with some five-pound weights can work wonders.
- “Abs are made in the kitchen” is a cliché for a reason. While physical activity is important, eating right is the first step in the direction you want to go.