In an environment where money is sparse and free time is few and far between, staying healthy in college is complicated. College life is designed around midnight Chinese takeout, late nights out with friends, and almost every meal is on-the-go. There is also the pressure to have the “perfect body." This is the prime of your life right? You’re expected to look your best, too. With all of the expectations that seem dauntingly unreachable, staying and feeling healthy is all about being realistic with yourself: realistic about your body type, about your mental state, and about what your schedule can handle. The odds may seem against you, but you have more control than you think. This is a lot easier said than done, but with these five realistic ways to be healthy in college, you can be on your way to living a healthier lifestyle both inside and out.

1. Make time to work out.

Elle Woods wasn’t wrong when she said that working out produces endorphins. Endorphins make you feel happy and less stressed, and we all need a little bit of that in our lives don’t we? Even a short 30-minute workout is better than no workout at all. Breaking a sweat doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym where every campus meathead is. There are tons of yoga and pilates videos on YouTube, and even a 30-minute power walk through campus will get your blood pumping. Keep the mentality that you are working out to be happy and healthy, not to be skinny, and it will make working out a positive part of your routine.

2. Learn how to say no.

Class, green club, student government, your sorority sisters and your babysitting job all need your attention. College is a giant illusion of balance, and there is nothing like over commitment to make that illusion shatter. Save yourself the mini mental breakdown and tell someone "no." You need time for you and depriving yourself of this is more harmful than you think. Stay true to your prior commitments, but don’t try to be a hero.There is always someone else who can do the task you were asked to complete. Chances are with a little rest and “me” time, you’ll be able to help pick up the slack next time.

3. Set goals that you know you can achieve.

There is nothing worse than saying to yourself, “I’m going to go to the gym everyday, and I am going to eat nothing but fruits and veggies” to really make you feel bad about yourself. Nothing about this goal is realistic, especially as a college student who needs food to keep going and has limited time to spend working out. Some weeks you won’t be able to get in the 30 minutes everyday, and you won’t make the best eating choices, and that just means you’re doing college right. Instead of focusing on what you didn’t do, focus on what you did do, and make a weekly commitment that is realistic to your own schedule. It may change every week but breaking routine will keep things fresh!

4. Don’t cut out the food you love.

Why is it that all the food we love is bad for us? Pizza, chicken fingers, ice cream, and chocolate, it all sounds so delicious. While most people are inclined to deprive themselves of these goodies, this isn’t the right way to go. If ice cream is your favorite thing, cutting it out will set yourself up for a binge, where you will feel even more regretful. Pick a day where you will have your favorite unhealthy foods. Maybe Tuesday is cookie day and Friday is pizza day, and only eat those foods on that day, and keep it at a regular portion. That way you’re not depriving yourself, and you are less likely to overindulge throughout the week.

5. Get some Z’s

Sleep is a necessity, so don’t treat it as a luxury. Pulling an all-nighter to write a paper is not going to make you feel good physically or mentally. It’s hard to work out like you planned when you haven’t slept, and you’re bound to eat more than you should when you have been up for over 24 hours. It’s better to go to get only five hours of sleep than it is to get no sleep at all. Your work will be a little better, too, if you have had some rest. Sleep is one of the most important things we can do and a lack of sleep has negative physical and mental effects. Nothing is more important than your health, so treat sleep like you would drinking water. You need to do it!

Now be on your way to a healthier lifestyle that is true to you!