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Maintaining A Healthy College Lifestyle

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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CAU chapter.

Stay Healthy by Incorporating Exercise Into Your Daily Routine

As college girls, we are often stressed and overwhelmed just trying to graduate. However, in the midst of all of this, there are ways to de-stress! Here are some ways to practice staying both mentally and physically healthy as a college student.

First and foremost, prioritize sleep. Late-night study sessions and social events can make it tempting to sacrifice rest, but getting enough sleep is essential for both mental clarity and physical well-being. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help your body recharge.

Exercise is another powerful tool for managing stress. Even a quick 20-minute walk around campus, or a short yoga session, can help clear your mind and release built-up tension. Physical activity boosts your mood and energy levels, which can improve both academic performance and overall happiness.

Don’t forget about social connections, either. Spending time with friends, whether through study sessions, casual hangouts, or even just venting, can provide emotional support and help reduce feelings of isolation.

Lastly, make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, crafting, or exploring new places. Balancing work, school, and personal time is key to maintaining a healthy mind and body during college. Taking care of yourself is crucial for surviving the college journey.

As college girls, we are stressed and overwhelmed just trying to graduate. However, in the midst of all of this, there are ways to de-stress! Here are some ways to practice staying healthy mentally and physically as a college student. 

healthy eating schedule

The most important part of the day is breakfast. This is how you should start every day: with a meal, big or small, to give you energy for the day ahead. A lot of the time, as students, we are so busy trying to get everything done that, in the mornings, we forget to fuel our bodies. This leads to low energy and fatigue throughout the day, which results in poor performance. Speaking of eating, your only meal should not just be in the morning. It is imperative to make sure your body is fueled consistently throughout the day and that you are staying hydrated with plenty of water. Stay away from coffee or sugary drinks, as they can stunt your progress.

Sleep

In addition to adjusting your eating habits, you MUST get enough sleep. When you are well-rested, you are able to function better as the day progresses. Lack of sleep only leads to dreading the day ahead and can feel like a headache. You should aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. This will also help with your performance on schoolwork. You will notice a difference in how well you remember the information you learned in class the day before and can apply it to homework or tests to improve your grades. It’s important that this sleep schedule is consistent so you can continue in good spirits throughout the entire semester.

exercise

Stay active and exercise! More than just working out in the gym to get that summer body, exercising is incredibly beneficial mentally as well. Even something as simple as taking a walk in the park to clear your mind can work out your physical health while also taking care of your mental well-being, allowing you to take a break from the stressors of college and schoolwork.

While it may sound tough, even small changes in your daily routine can count as exercise. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking the long way to class if you have some extra time, or listening to music while walking are all forms of movement that can contribute to your overall fitness. The key is to find small ways to incorporate movement into your day, even when you’re busy.

Regular exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym. It can be as simple as a quick 15-minute stretch, a morning jog, or a dance session in your room. These little actions can improve your energy levels, boost your mood, and help you focus better on your studies. Plus, staying active consistently will help build a healthier routine, which is essential for maintaining a balanced and productive lifestyle throughout the semester.

be social

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Lastly, be able to get away from your work. Take up a new hobby like journaling, drawing or cooking. Spend time with your friends, try new restaurants, go to a party or two, explore the city you live in, go to campus events. Enjoy what it is to be a college student beyond just the work and clubs/organizations. College is the place where you make the friends that will last you a lifetime so make memories with them. Learning to take a break and set a boundary between you and your work will help you so much through four years of college. 

Navigating being a college student is hard but there are ways to get around it and at the end of the day, college is something to enjoy not dread! It’s time for you to make your college experience. Enjoy!

My name is Kayla Baynes. I am a Junior Business Marketing major with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. I am from Boston, Massachusetts but grew up in a small town far from the city. I chose Clark Atlanta University because I love Atlanta and wanted to experience college in the city. My major and minor go hand in hand because I am interesting in pursing merchandising which is the business of fashion. I am so excited to be a part of Her Campus, make new relationships and explore my content creating skills!