In college, it can be pretty difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students are on odd schedules between classes, homework, extracurriculars, social activities, and potentially sporting events as well. Plus, college students are on a tight budget, so it can be hard to justify buying a nutritious salad that's $5 more than a much less healthy meal. We know we should eat healthier... but it's tough.
Still, there are easy ways for you to live a little bit healthier. Healthcare services are not cheap and the best way to keep these costs down (now and in the future) is prevention. This means taking steps to prevent health issues from coming up later down the line. Ideally, we'd all eat perfectly nutritious diets, never drink anything bad, work out every week, and sleep as much as needed. Realistically, this is probably not going to happen, but here are four steps you can take today to help yourself be healthier.
1. Go for a walk around the block each night after dinner.
Exercise doesn't have to be super intensive or super long -- the most important thing is that you're doing something. This can be as simple as a short walk each day. So why not bake that into your routine? Take 10 minutes each night -- that's all -- and walk around your block after dinner (or whatever time of day works for you). The after-meal stroll may help your body digest the food more easily after all.
2. Start pre-packing snacks for yourself.
Sometimes you just need to grab a snack on campus because you can't run home, but sadly this leaves few healthy or inexpensive options. Typically it's unhealthy and expensive. To avoid situations like this, and to give yourself more healthful snacks, try pre-packing some over the weekend. This could be pretzels, an apple or orange, rice crackers, carrot sticks, or whatever else you enjoy. Your body and your wallet will thank you.
3. Choose at least one night each week where you’ll commit to getting a full 8 hours of sleep.
College students are known to be sleep deprived, and sadly it's a case where we generally can't help it. There's just a lot going on. However, one small step you can take to make sure you at least get some sleep is to choose one day each week where you'll commit to getting a full night's sleep. This might not be possible every single night, which would be ideal, but give yourself one day where you promise yourself you'll get a full 8 hours (or more!).
4. Carry a reusable water bottle and remind yourself to drink it throughout the day.
It seems like every event for students hands out t-shirts and water bottles, so chances are, you have quite a few reusable bottles laying around. Put whichever is your favorite to good use by carrying it around every day. This will remind you to drink water regularly, which is an important component of health. Plus, you might find yourself spending less on a soda here and an iced tea there.
