
4 Tips on How to Stay Healthy in College
Weve compiled four key tips to help students maintain a healthy lifestyle during their university years, and while the steps are simple, we recognize that they may not always be easy considering how many other demands students have to prioritize. Hopefully, these tips offer helpful takeaways for college life:
1. Maintaining a Healthy Diet
The first and most important tip is to eat a proper diet. When you're eating on your own for the first time, it can be tempting to grab whatever is quick and easy, but trust me; your body will thank you later if you take the time to cook healthy meals.
If cooking isn't your thing, plenty of healthy food options are available at the dining hall or from local restaurants. Just make sure you get enough fruits, vegetables, and minerals in your diet.
Dont skimp on protein! Its essential for building and maintaining muscle mass and helping you maintain the energy and focus you need for demanding academics. Choose lean sources like chicken, fish, and tofu, and try to avoid fried or overly fatty foods that can wear you down.
Last but not least, stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help you stay focused throughout the day. Be sure to avoid sugary energy drinks as much as possible, and consider opting for a nutrient-dense greens powder drink. Blends like Live it Up Super Greens make it easier for you to get your daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals through easy-to-drink, all-natural superfoods.
2. Exercising and Remaining Active
When it comes to college, there are a lot of things that you have to balance, from your social life and academics to internships and extracurriculars. However, one of the most important things you have to balance is your health.
Staying physically active in college is extremely important because it can help you stay focused, energized, and motivated and may even help you perform better academically. Now, were not saying you need to join an intramural sports team or anything (although that could be fun!), but ensuring you get some form of exercise every day is crucial when youre spending so much time sitting in classes or working on assignments.
Taking a brisk walk around campus or running are great ways to exercise without committing too much time or money.
3. Getting Enough Sleep
It's no secret that college students often dont get enough sleep. With early classes, numerous activities, and a thriving social scene, making time for a full night's rest can take time and effort. But you need enough sleep (roughly 7-8 hours a night) to stay healthy in college.
First, stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible. That means going to bed and waking up at around the same time every day, even on weekends.
Second, create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could involve taking a hot shower, reading a book, or doing light stretching. The key is to do something that will help you wind down so you can fall asleep more easily.
Finally, limit your caffeine intake and avoid screens before bed. Caffeine can stay in your system for up to eight hours, so drinking it late in the day may make it harder for you to fall asleep. And the blue light from screens can also disrupt your sleep cycle. Try disconnecting your electronic devices for at least 30 minutes before bed.
4. Managing Stress
Stress is a common experience for college students. In fact, numerous reports have found that college students struggle with higher stress levels than adults. While some stress can be beneficial, chronic stress can lead to health problems.
All of the above tips are critical for helping to manage stress levels. Sleep is essential for helping you unwind and reset. Eating unhealthy foods can make you feel sluggish and stressed out, depriving you of the key nutrients you need. As well as being great for your physical health, the endorphins from exercise are great for relieving stress.
Additionally, be sure to take breaks when needed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to relax and rejuvenate. Read your favorite book, listen to calming music, or connect with others. Spending time with family and friends can help reduce stress levels. College can be lonely sometimes, so reach out to your loved ones when you need support.
Conclusion
Ultimately, learning how to stay healthy in college to succeed academically and in life is crucial. By following these tips and avoiding unhealthy behaviors like smoking and excessive drinking, students are more likely to stay healthy and could increase their chances of success.
College can be a lot of fun with a lot of demanding responsibilities, but taking care of yourself is essential, too. Be sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, manage stress levels, and maintain a healthy diet with the help of Live it Up products.