It is so easy to let yourself go in college. Trust me, the first few weeks of college were stressful, although exciting. I quickly noticed how easy it was to pay more attention to the school work, the tasty treats, my friends, and college itself than myself and how I was treating my body. I was a little more sluggish than usual, acne was starting to become a problem, and a little weight gain was a real thing.

I had to make a decision: I could continue down this road, or I could make a slight change. I chose the second option, but don't get me wrong, I do not eat what I should every meal of the day and it truly is a battle to convince myself a salad is better than macaroni and cheese.

I know I am not the only one struggling with finding a routine, a meal plan, time for exercise, plus school and all the work that comes along with it. Therefore, I put a few tips together for all of us college students.

1. Get enough rest

Seriously, sleep is the best thing you can do for your body. People our age should be getting at least seven to nine hours each night. I can definitely vouch that when I go to bed early/on time and sleep for at least eight hours, I wake up feeling energized and ready for the day. It will even get rid of the bags under the eyes, especially during finals week.

2. Stay hydrated

Not only does the right amount of water make you feel healthy, but it clears up the skin, the eyes look brighter, and there is a certain glow about yourself. It may sound like a lot, but I try to get in at least eight water bottles spaced out throughout my day. I can tell the way my body feels if I keep this up for about a week vs. the day I only had two. It's no fun! Drink water.

3. Put healthy food into your body

You know when you eat candy bar after candy bar and you feel really sick after? Yep, I have been there a few times in life. One thing I can say about clean eating is that it is really hard. There are days where I convince myself a few bad foods are okay. In reality, it's not okay. Not because it taste good and looks good, but only because these types of food are bad for you. Clean, organic eating is good for you! Lots of fruit and veggies are good for you! It is still something I am working on. Clean eating makes my body feel smaller, healthy, ready for anything.

4. Exercise!

Let's be honest, exercise is the best stress reliever! It makes me feel happy and energized and full of life. I love getting up to work out whether for thirty minutes or two hours. I can tell when my body is toning up, and I can tell when it's not when I don't work out. Missing a few days of exercise sets me back more than anything.

When you put all four of these things together, you will be one happy person. Not necessarily because you will lose weight, but because your body and mind will feel renewed. When you love your body, your body will love you back!