January is a month filled with discourse around health, productivity, and self-optimization, but if you want these new health habits to stick through the Spring semester, it is best to take a more balanced approach. Crash diets are out and moderation is in this year. Going back to the basics of sleep, healthy eating, movement, and gratitude will guarantee a much happier and healthier semester than more extreme measures, so follow the tips below for a successful and sustainable semester.
Prioritize Sleep
We’ve all heard it before, sleep is crucial to our mental and physical health, but as a busy college student, it can be hard to get in the ideal 7-8 hours of sleep. An appropriate amount of sleep, however, can increase attention span and boost memory and learning. Start by setting a time to go to sleep and wake up each morning and reduce technology use around your bedtime, as blue light can interfere with sleep.
Cultivate a Balanced Schedule
Take out your planner and write in your class times, club meetings, and extracurricular activities, then carve out time each day to eat regular meals, work on classwork, move your body, and see friends. Writing it down will help you make it possible!
Try a New Hobby
Research shows that hobbies outside of school can reduce stress and cultivate wellbeing. Join a college club that piques your interest or try a dance or art class in the local area. Time away from your studies can actually improve productivity.
Take More Walks
It can be tempting during the winter to hunker down indoors, but even a quick walk can increase energy and improve mood and sleep. Put on a warm jacket, queue up your favorite podcast, and take a walk between your classes. You may find yourself more focused when you return.
Chef it up with Healthy Recipes
We all know that we should be eating more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains for our health, but healthy eating can easily fall last on our long list of priorities. Get excited about healthy eating this semester with some quick and healthy dorm-friendly recipes. For breakfast, try a yogurt and berry parfait; for lunch, try a mason jar salad; and for dinner, try a loaded hummus pita.
Schedule Time for Friendships
Between classes, studying, and extracurriculars, friendships can easily be neglected, but it is proven that social connections are crucial for mental and physical wellbeing. Take time each week to schedule lunch or coffee dates with friends or plan a fun weekend excursion with your friend group.
Embrace Gratitude
I don’t know about you, but the last thing on my mind during my hectic days is what I am thankful for, but it should be! Gratitude has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and increase self-esteem. Take a few minutes each day to write down or simply think of people, places, or things that spark gratitude.