With midterms, clubs, and social circles, being healthy is often the last thing on the mind of a college student. I often find myself unable to fit the gym into my schedule, and snacking on junk food in a rush because I don’t have time to plan healthier meals. Lack of exercise, bad eating habits, and sleep deprivation can leave you feeling not your best. Here are 7 easy ways to live a healthier lifestyle, especially when you have a busy schedule!

1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

By doing this, you are being active without having to go out of your way. If you take the stairs five times a day to your dorm floor, the amount of exercise will add up and be beneficial to you.

2. Stay hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water is the best way to flush out toxins in your body as well as speed up your metabolism. Being hydrated is probably one of the most important factors in determining a healthy lifestyle!

3. Never skip breakfast.

Many people wrongly believe that skipping meals, especially breakfast, will help them lose weight. However, breakfast is important in that it’s your first meal after a long gap between the previous night. Breakfast speeds up your metabolism and starts your day off right.

4. Sleep at least 7 hours a night.

When you don’t sleep, you feel lethargic, and it gives you more opportunity to snack excessively on junk food. Avoid this by getting enough sleep!

5. Eat smaller meals.

This distributes your calorie intake throughout the day, which prevents you from overeating during designated “big meal” times.

6. Replace junk food in your dorm with healthy snacks.

When you’re studying late at night, you just feel like grabbing whatever you have inside your dorm. If you have a bunch of junk food, this could lead to you eating unhealthy. Replace the junk with healthier snacks like fruit and granola bars!

7. For drinks, stick to water.

Avoid sodas, caffeine, juices, and alcoholic beverages as much as possible!