I personally struggle with staying active while at college. The work piles up, sleep is stretched thin, naps become a necessity, and the days you do have time you aren’t feeling well.

The biggest problem with homework piling up is that it usually results from procrastination. Meaning the only advice I have for this part is to get homework done whenever you have the chance. As far as actually getting the work done after you’ve started, take any reading to the gym with you. It might not seem like much, but walking on the treadmill for an hour at a time while reading can really add up.

Getting a decent amount of sleep is something that is very important for staying active and awake during the day. So, naturally, I have a lot of trouble maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. It’s understandable if you have an assignment due at midnight or by class the next morning, but normally I just end up talking to people until I see that it’s 2am and I have an 8am class. In my case, I just need to be more responsible. In the case of homework, try to get it done sooner rather than later and, if possible, sacrifice an assignment for your health.

Along with the lack of sleep comes the necessity of naps. Naps seem like they are an absolute must because of the amount of times that sleep at night is sacrificed. Even I don’t understand that the nap times could be added to regular sleep and I would have more time during my day. Just as getting a decent amount of sleep, not sleeping at random points in the day will keep you from wanting to lay in bed.

This may sound like terrible advice, but even if you’re feeling sick try and make it to the gym. Of course, take it slow that day, but staying active can help work the sick out faster. Additionally, if you don’t nap you’ll be regularly tired and have a better chance of sleeping through the night.

Make plans with friends to go the gym whenever you can. Even if neither of you really want to go, you’ll think the other one does and you’ll be compelled to stick to the commitment. Once at the gym, friends make the atmosphere much more inviting. You can run on the treadmill with someone, challenge each other, and do all those weird workouts you don’t feel comfortable doing alone. Going to the gym alone is important as to not completely rely on friends, but friends are a great addition.

Staying active is so hard to get into. You need to get up, go the gym and exercise, and then you’re all sore afterwards. However, it’s important to stay health for yourself mentally as well as physically.