College is hard. And a lot of people fail to mention just how difficult it is. Our health tends to be the first thing we sacrifice because it's 'extra' and we have more important things on our mind. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for happiness, fulfillment, and sanity. So here are a few basic suggestions to help you get started.

1. Plan out your meals.

I'm not talking about this whole "meal prep" fad that is invading our fitness lives. It is, in fact, a useful way to schedule your meals. But if you live in a dorm, can't afford a week's supply of avocado, or don't want to eat the same thing every day, then it's a bit unrealistic. I'm talking about taking a minute out of your day to think about what or where you might want to eat. If you pause before leaving the house and think about your schedule (okay, I have three classes and will be in the library all night) it can save you from a dinner of Starbucks pastries and vending machine chips. Not that there's anything wrong with that once in awhile, trust me. But food directly affects your concentration, energy, and mood so maybe you pack a peanut butter sandwich or throw in some almonds and it will drastically improve your day.

2. Make the gym a part of your schedule.

For many people, the hardest thing about going to the gym is finding the time to simply get there and fit in a workout. I've found it very useful to schedule gym times consistently throughout the week and insert them into my schedule as if they were a class. Just like class, you're going to skip every now and then, but if you've already planned your study/free time around a certain schedule, the thought of the gym is less daunting. Signing up for fitness classes is really helpful too. Normally there is a penalty of some sort for missing them and you're not about to be penalized. You need to show up. Plus they can be a fun and social way yo mix up your workout routine.

3. Find someone to talk to.

This may be the hardest piece of advice for college students to take. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, important transitions, difficulties, opportunities, victories, and failures are constantly happening in college. It's ridiculous to think that you can handle all of that on your own. Whether it be a counselor, a best friend, your mom, or even a professor, it's crucial to share your successes and concerns with somebody. Keeping it all inside can weigh you down. Sharing can improve mental and physical health. Because mom knows best and maybe you should go get that cough checked out.

4. Find an outside activity.

This is difficult for a lot of people because there are twelve million (that's exact) things happening in a college kid's life every week. But, you need to find something that is just for you. It can be just one hour a week of maybe volunteering, intramurals, or reading a non-school related book where you have time to really enjoy what you're doing without stressing about classes and social life. There are plenty of things we enjoy about our days, but scheduling a time where you are consciously aware that you chose to do this for you gives you something to look forward to during a particularly tough week.

5. Prepare before your classes.

As random as this sounds, I have found it to be the single most effective way to improve your grades. And because for a lot of us, satisfaction in our academic lives contributes to satisfaction in our personal lives, doing well is important (whatever your definition of "doing well" may be). Preparing before you come to class gives you an edge. You know what the professor is talking about and are therefore more motivated to pay attention and retain the information because it is familiar to you. As with everything else on this list, slip ups are unavoidable. Of course you're not going to read that chapter for class if you chose to go out the night before (social life is important for health too). But preparing helps your brain relax a little bit, and being stressed is too stressful so no thank you.