College can be an amazing experience, enriching your life in many ways. However, it can also take a toll on your health, both mentally and physically.
As a student, staying healthy can be challenging. You might not have much money, you’re socializing often, working and studying hard, and not getting enough sleep.
It’s okay to pay for help with assignments if needed, but here are some tips to stay healthy that you can try out as well.
Eating well on a budget is tough, but smart choices in the canteen can help. Load up on fruits and veggies, and pick foods that keep you full longer. Whenever possible, choose a veggie side dish.
Drink more water to balance out any weekend partying. Use this time to explore new foods too; you might find healthy dishes you love!
Opt for healthier snacks, like fruit instead of a candy bar, to keep you energized and satisfied in class.
Healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. It’s about limiting the unhealthy ones.
Working out in the afternoon between classes is often easier. You’re already near the campus gym, so you don’t have to wake up early or skip a night out. Even squeezing in a 20-minute workout a few times a week can make a difference.
Aim to work out at least three days a week to start feeling better, and from there, you can add more days or increase your exercise time.
Keep a gym kit and change of clothes with you during the day to make it easier to go straight to the gym after classes without heading home first.
Even though fresh fruits can be pricey, find a budget-friendly staple to include in one daily meal to help maintain your health. There are plenty of ways to prepare fruits and veggies if you want to mix things up.
You could make a smoothie to take to class or go for snack-sized bags of dried fruits.
Look for healthy canteen options with lots of fruits and vegetables, as they are packed with essential nutrients. Veggies are especially important, offering fiber, vitamins, minerals, and even some protein.
Try to fill half of your plate with vegetables.
Lacking veggies in your diet can make you more prone to illness and cause headaches and stomachaches. This can disrupt your social plans and affect your studies, leading to missed classes.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been shown to improve concentration and energy levels. Find your favorite fruits and veggies and incorporate them into your meals regularly.
Getting a full eight hours of sleep every night might be tough, but you don’t always have to sleep those hours all at once. Take naps during the day to catch up, as sleep deprivation can affect your health and grades.
Lack of sleep can decrease concentration, making it harder to focus in class. When you’re tired, you might turn to sugary foods and drinks to stay awake, which can lead to weight gain and diabetes. So, prioritize getting eight hours of sleep wherever possible.
The internet offers various tools and resources to make studying easier and reduce stress and potential mental health issues. Choose healthier drinks like plain coffee or tea instead of sodas and energy drinks, which have no nutritional value.
Hydrate with ice-cold water throughout the day to maintain energy and benefit from proper hydration.
Joining a gym might be costly, but you can find plenty of free workout videos on YouTube to do in your dorm room. Whether you enjoy yoga or high-energy aerobics, there’s something for everyone.
Plus, you can try as many workout videos as you like without spending a dime.
Staying healthy in college does require some effort, but these tips can help you maintain your physical and mental well-being more easily.
If you find these tips helpful, let us know what worked for you! Feel free to share your own healthy habits that might benefit other students.