New Years Resolutions are great because it is that one time of year we feel that we can “start over,” if you will, and have exciting goals to look forward to throughout the year. But more often than not, as the weeks of spring semester go by we fall back into our familiar ways of snacking and skipping the gym. These simple tips will help you reach your healthier you in 2015.
Create a workout routine you can stick to.
Research and plan a workout routine that you know you can keep. We have all been through the workout cycle: you are on a health kick for a week where you go to the gym everyday. Then, after taking the weekend off, it is close to impossible to start up again. The point of creating a workout routine you can stick to is so that this won’t happen.
Here is an example:
- Monday – Chest & Biceps
- Tuesday – Cardio
- Wednesday – Legs
- Thursday – Back & Triceps
- Friday – Take a dance/cardio class
- Saturday – Shoulder Abs
- Sunday – Hike/Bike Ride
Pack your own lunch and snacks.
At the end of a long shift at work or while you’re in the middle of a study session, it may be easier to just pick up fast food or hit the vending machine to power you through. You must resist, collegiettes! Trust me, your body and your wallet will thank you in the long run. Studies show that if you are trying to speed up your metabolism, you should be eating 5-6 smaller portions of food a day compared to three larger meals. Take some time on your day off and prepare healthy snacks, such as, hummus and veggies or apples and almond butter that are easy to carry with you to work or class.
Find a physical activity that you truly enjoy.
For me, dancing is a physical activity that I truly love doing. It’s relaxing and expressive.
Whether it is hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or surfing find at least one physical thing that you enjoy doing that burns calories too! UNF has a lot of free and fun outdoor and indoors activities like rock climbing, paddle boarding, canoeing, and a beautiful nature trail to hike through. Try to tie these activities into your workout routine on one of your days off from the gym.
Set attainable goals.
Goals are meant to encourage you, not disappoint you. So, make goals that you can actually reach! By setting smaller and attainable goals you can keep a positive attitude towards your healthier lifestyle. It feels good to accomplish something you put your mind to. Remember that we are all college students, and with that comes stress. Try not to bite off more than you can chew.
Take time to relax.
Your body along with your mind need time to relax in order to stay healthy. Make sure you are stretching after workouts and take time for yourself and your body to rest. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether it be walks on the beach or yoga*, find the thing that eases yoou, and make sure you have time for yourself.
*You can find inspirational yogis like Racheal and Kino on Instagram and YouTube!
Reward yourself.
College is hard enough with the pressure of getting good grades. You cannot beat yourself up about your body. The most important thing is that you are healthy by staying active and eating the healthiest that you can. Start small and work your way up. You should reward yourself every once in awhile, too! Seriously though, what is a girl’s night without fro-yo and Moscato?
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