It's that time of the year again. For many college students, winter break is officially over and a new semester has begun. While it is exciting to start fresh classes, meet new people, and get involved in new clubs and organizations on campus, it can be difficult to stick to a healthy lifestyle as a college student. Creating time to squeeze in a workout, making a budget to eat healthy foods, and ultimately finding the motivation to get up and get moving can be a bit overwhelming. Here are 12 tips to make your Spring semester healthier, happier, and more productive.
1. Get in a routine
You know what they say, humans are "creatures of habit." This is especially true when it comes to maintaining a regular exercise regimen. Setting up a designated time every day to get yourself moving and actually sticking to that time will help tremendously when you are struggling to find your motivation this winter. We all have our favorite time of the day to work out, so pick a time, any time, and schedule an appointment with yourself that you can't miss! (You wouldn't miss your advising appointment with your professor, would you?)
2. Set a long term goal
Going on a road trip to a tropical hot spot for Spring Break? The winter months will pass before you know it. By setting a long term goal, you will be more motivated to accomplish smaller day-to-day tasks like making healthy food choices or spending some time at the gym. Do yourself a favor and take the time to put living a healthy lifestyle at the top of your priority list.
3. Keep your room stocked with healthy snacks
It's human nature to want to snack on a study break. Craving something salty? Instead of reaching for the bag of potato chips, try grabbing a lighter option like Skinny Pop popcorn or a bag of heart-healthy oven roasted almonds. These are both great snack foods that will satisfy your desire to "munch" without de-railing your diet.
4. Always take a healthy snack with you to class
With classes scheduled smack in the center of your lunch time, you can be left feeling extra hangry after you get released, which can lead to over-eating. Try keeping a healthy, convenient snack on hand to munch on before or during class (if allowed). Things like protein bars, apples, strawberries, almonds, granola, and carrots are great options to carry in your bag to hold you over until you can eat a full meal.
5. Always eat breakfast
It may be tempting to rush out the door without eating breakfast to make it to your 8:00 class on time, but studies have shown that eating breakfast can actually improve your academic performance. Try making a bowl of oatmeal with some egg whites and fruit to keep you full and satisfied all morning long.
6. Get plenty of sleep
There are only so many cups of Starbucks coffee you can drink (and afford). Studies have shown that being sleep deprived can lead to over-eating. Not to mention, it will be much more difficult to pay attention in class or study for long periods of time if you are exhausted. Try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night to maintain adequate energy levels and avoid "distracted eating" often triggered by lack of sleep. Maintaining a regular sleeping routine is just as important as regular exercise and a healthy diet.
7. Try a fitness class
A lot of college recreation centers offer a variety of group fitness classes. Boxing, Zumba, yoga, barre, pilates, and even water aerobics may be offered at your school. Check with the Rec Center about possible classes offered. Fitness classes are a great way to meet new people, make working out fun, and hold yourself accountable.
8. Walk to class
Depending on how big your campus is, you can get a pretty good workout by simply walking to class. You can easily use your time between classes to squeeze in that extra cardio by walking around campus. If your school's campus has a lot of hills, that's even better.
9. Use the campus fitness center
Most college campuses provide access to wonderful recreation centers for their students. The rec center has it all: weight training areas, cardio machines, pools, basketball courts; the options available for you to be active are endless. Take advantage of these nice facilities at your school.
10. Take advantage of the all you can eat salad bar in the dining halls
Try eating a salad before every meal in the dining hall. Not only will you be consuming loads of nutritious veggies, but you will go in to your main course feeling more full and satisfied. Aim to make your salad as colorful as possible. Dining hall salad bars often have a large variety of chopped veggies, so take advantage of them (just try to avoid the creamy, calorie dense dressings).
11. Grab your friends
Working out is much more enjoyable when you have a workout buddy along for the ride. Finding a friend that shares the same fitness goals as you do will help keep both of you accountable along the journey. A workout partner should be encouraging, supportive, and most importantly: be there to remind you why you started.
12. Make it fun
Mix up your workouts to keep things interesting and avoid getting in that dreaded "exercise rut." Lack of motivation can sometimes come from boredom. Grab some friends and try a new workout class. Pilates, hot yoga, kickboxing, and even dancing are great ways to torch calories without even going near the typical treadmill.
Setting goals and striving to be the best version of yourself will help you succeed in and out of the classroom. Start the new semester off right by putting your best foot forward and make living a healthy lifestyle one of your top priorities.
