The start of school brings a chance to start over, to see friends who you haven’t seen all summer, and new activities. However, it also brings stress, fewer hours of sleep, worsened eating habits, and, overall, a lower level of overall health. The school year has already started for many while others still have a few weeks, but it is never too late (or early) to take steps to feel healthier before becoming over tired and developing dreadful eating habits.

Basic ways to improve your health:

1. Drink water and lots of it

Drink as much water as you feel like you can physically handle! Drink more than your recommended 64 ounces because that number is crap. Drink at least 96 ounces of water a day. It sounds impossible, but if you carry a 24 ounce water bottle with you all day it’s less than it seems (only four full bottles). Overtime, this insane amount of water will become a baseline and you will begin to drink way more than that. Drinking more water prevents you from becoming dehydrated which could cause fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and other unpleasant things. Plus, drinking water flushes out toxins which will make you feel better.

2. Get some exercise

You don’t have to exercise multiple hours at a gym everyday to receive at least some benefits. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day can help reduce stress by reducing the amount of hormones which cause stress, improve your mood through an increase in endorphins, improve sleep by tiring you out, and clear your skin by boosting oxygen supply and circulation.

3. Sleep a reasonable amount of time for you

If you feel better with six hours of sleep, don’t try to force yourself to sleep eight or nine hours a night. If you feel better with ten or more hours of sleep, try to get that when you can. By giving your body enough time to recuperate and rest, you will reduce your stress, improve your focus, and improve your overall performance. Too much sleep can make you feel groggy or sluggish, so follow your natural sleep schedule. If you are feeling excessively tired, give yourself the the chance to nap; you’re never too young or old to nap!

4. Eat more fruit and veggies and less overly processed junk food

Diet plays a large role in feeling good (or bad). Fruits and vegetables provide the nutrients you need to remain energized, prevent disease and illness, and maintain a healthy weight. Junk food is typically filled with sugars and chemicals which can reduce your physical health which is why it is extremely important to limit it. However, cutting out all junk food can also be bad because it can lead to cravings and binge eating. Plus, everyone needs a scoop of ice cream or a cookie now and then.

Less basic ways to improve your health:

5. Have both social time and “me time”

Seeing friends on a regular basis and socializing everyday will improve your mood by making you feel wanted and have an enjoyable time. However, alone time is also beneficial in that it provides an opportunity for you to mentally and physically reflect and relax.

6. Smile and laugh more

Smiling and laughing seem simple and like they could do very little for your health, but they do play a large role in both physical and mental health. Smiling lowers your heart rate, reduces stress, releases endorphins, kills pain and can improves trust and connection between people. Laughter also provides many of these benefits, but also increases the immune system, increased blood flow, and relaxes your muscles. These two simple actions can actually have a fairly significant impact on your health!

Being healthy feels great, but can often feel difficult to achieve with a busy school schedule, but really, taking simple steps can really improve your overall health.