Senior year. The end-all be-all. The final chapter to our sleepless, foolish and unhealthiest, best four years of our lives. Right around the corner comes responsibility and job searches, resumes and longer hours of hard work. Until then, making the most of our last year at UNH is at the top of everyoneâs bucket lists.  Since many âlastsâ are upon us, it is easy to feel the need to indulge in every delectable creation Durham has blessed our mouths and livers with on those late nights out on Main Street. Although it may seem fun at the time, the senior 15 is real; just as real as the late night Wild Kitty induced freshman 15. Here are some tips to stay healthy but still make the most of your senior year:
- Drink Water
This is the most important tip. If you know youâre going to be drinking all weekend, make sure you fuel your body with what it needs. As everyone knows, being dehydrated is just asking for a misery the next morning. During the day stay away from sugary, caffeinated drinks and try to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water. (webmd.com) Chances are, if you are tired before going out its due to your lack of water through out the day. Invest in some flavor enhancers if the bland taste of water isnât for you and drink up!
Fun fact: Water also de-bloats you, for those crop- top wearers.
- Plan a Night to Drunk Eat
We are all guilty of it: waking up and remembering you finished a whole cinnastick box from Dominos. This is an accomplishment that one should never try to succeed every night on the weekend. Never deprive yourself of that Freddy Special and mushroom bacon slice from DHOP⊠instead, on Monday, plan a night with your roommates on which night youâre all going to indulge and go all out. If you cant resist and are a Camp Co frequent member, just try and eat healthy on your days off from drinking. This way you can enjoy yourself and not feel as guilty that miserable Sunday morning.
Â
- Break a Sweat Even When Youâre Hungover
When it seems like all is lost, you canât leave your bed, and your head is throbbing, the best thing you can do for yourself and your body is to get your blood flowing. Walk instead of driving to Hoco, go on a stroll through college woods, or if youâre feeling really ambitious go on the elliptical at the gym. It feels awesome to sweat out all those evil toxins from the night before. I can vouch from experience that breaking a sweat makes you feel 100% better (and less like a worthless human being.)
Â
- Choose a Lower Calorie Drink
Stop and think before you grab that dollar pitcher at Scorps on Tuesday night. Choose a lighter alternative and splurge on a tonic/vodka seltzer. Cutting down on beer and soda will lower your calorie intake for the night by a landslide and less sugar will give you less of a hangover! (It’s like a 2-for-1!!!)
- Get Rest
Take a break every once and awhile. As much as you donât want to miss out (FOMO), it is okay to stay in and give your body some rest. Sleep is essential for young adults to maintain health and proper function. Catch up on sleep when you can. It is perfectly acceptable to stay in with your roommates and watch a whole season of Dexter. You will be surprised of how much you will cherish these moments post graduation.
Â
Over all, have fun and make the most out of your time left here. Know your limits, eat smart and remember spring break will be here before you know it!