The busy life of a college student can wear your body down. Living off of caffeine and the stereotypical diets of a college student, ramen with a side of ramen, can start to take its toll. Although there are time, and not to mention money, constraints, there are ways to make sure you’ll have all the vitality you need to work hard and play hard. [pagebreak]
1. Eat Balanced Meals and Real Food.
Eating well as a college student can be difficult. It’s easy to grab empty calories like chips or a slice of pizza when you’re broke and have no time for anything else. Unfortunately, junk food is going to cause your body to crash over time. The dining hall may have a lot of greasy or sugary options, but opt for foods with more whole ingredients when possible. Get a sandwich and pile on the veggies. Tea and water are better than sugary juices and sodas. If you don’t eat in the dining hall, buy fresh fruit and veg whenever you can. Hit up the farmer’s market right down the street for good deals. Lots of whole foods are cheap and can build a meal like canned beans, most grains, and eggs. Check online for simple recipes that use the microwave, or if you have access to a kitchen, make a big meal on the weekend that will provide leftovers throughout the school week. The most important thing is to always eat enough. Also, don’t be afraid to fall back on a vitamin (you don’t have to be embarrassed to buy the gummy ones either).
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2. Exercise.
You know those extra fees that you have to pay every semester? Well, part of that goes towards the campus gym, so you might as well use it. Schedule a few times out of the week to go. They have scheduled classes that you could give a shot, or you can decide what to do on your own with the plethora of equipment available. Another option is to not use the gym at all! Exercise is not all about heavy lifting or running a 5k on a regular basis. Ride your bike, jog outdoors, or play Frisbee on the front lawn with a group of friends. Whatever gets your body moving is good. Find something physical that you enjoy and get moving 30 minutes a day or even every other day. You’ll be amazed by how much more energy you’ll have.
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3. Get Enough Sleep.
Sleep allows the body and the mind to heal. Without enough of it, you’ll feel sluggish and your mind won’t be as sharp as it needs to be for all those tests. The amount of sleep that each person needs is different, but experts say that most people need about eight hours (I admittedly live off of 5 or 6…oops). Try not to pull frequent all-nighters or guzzle down caffeine to keep your body awake longer than it needs to be. Not only will your memory and concentration be impaired, but sleep deprivation can also weaken the immune system. If you know that you have to get up early the next day, go to bed at a time where you know you’ll get adequate sleep. Also, take naps when you need to (ideally around 15 to 30 minutes). Trying to study when your mind is about to crash won’t do you any good.
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4. Set Aside Enough Free Time.
With all that work, you have to make time to have some fun. Excess stress isn’t healthy for anyone. Too much stress can hinder sleep (remember, you need that), cause headaches, and even impact your immune and digestive systems. Make sure you still have time to goof around with your friends, or even chill out with a good book. This means budgeting your time well by writing down what has to be done and trying not to wait until the last minute to do it. If you must, you can set aside time during the day where you will work and time where you will take a break. Also, don’t take on more extracurriculars than you can handle. Never get so busy to the point where you don’t have any time to enjoy yourself.
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5. Have a Positive Self-Image.
It’s so important to keep your mind healthy while you’re doing good things for your body. It might sound cheesy, but make sure you reaffirm your self-worth daily. It’s easy to get caught up in college, trying to assure that you’ll have an easier future by making good grades and being involved. Keep in mind that your grades and your booming social life don’t define you. You are a worthy and important person. Make time for people who are within your support system. If you’re too stressed or just unhappy, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember that you are worth taking care of, and everything else will fall into place.