Running in PUC’s back 40 is a great way to get out of your dorm room and get some exercise!

By Faith Williams

We all know being in college comes with a lot of things to handle. From studying for classes, hanging out with friends, or going to that job you hate. There are many things that happen in our daily college lives, but there is one thing we sometimes tend to neglect. We all try to do this and let’s be honest, we never really follow through with it completely, and that is trying to live a healthier life. I know this is hard, especially when you are on the go 24/7, but sometimes we have to do what is best for ourselves. Here are some easy things you can do to be on the path to healthy living.

Diet

I know it is hard to always eat healthy foods in college, it can become time-consuming and inconvenient, but make it convenient to eat right. Stocking up your dorm room with healthy foods makes it easier for you to grab what you want when you want, and then go about your day. You can even meal prep and have your foods ready to go for the next week. Also, something that comes hand in hand with this is portion size. You want to make sure that you are not overeating, but instead eating just the right amount for that meal. Remember, we do not eat to get full, but to feel satisfied.

Exercise

This is one of the hardest things for us to implement in our lives for various reasons. One thing you can do for exercise is, instead of driving your car to class, try walking or riding your bike. If you do not have time to go to the gym, go online and find a quick home workout you can do in your dorm room. Many people think exercising is something to dread, but you can make it fun by getting your friends involved and having a good time. It is very important we try to find time to stay active even with our busy schedules.

Sleep

When you find some extra time to yourself, take a nap. Even if that means missing out on hanging with your friends, you will thank yourself later for the much-needed rest. Ten to 15-minute naps may not sound like a lot of time, but it can do wonders for your energy levels. Just make sure you do not nap too close to bedtime, for you will have a hard time going to sleep for the night. Another thing is to avoid all-nighters. You may think you need to study all night, but not getting enough sleep could stop you from doing well the next day regardless of how much you studied.

Mental Health

This is a big thing that tends to get overlooked a lot. Your mental health is so important. With that being said, do not be afraid to ask for help or talk to someone when you feel a certain way. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed to speak up because they feel like they don’t want to bother others with their problems. There are counselors on campus who are there to listen to you and help you in any way possible. Also, keep in touch with your family and friends. They should be your support system and if you are ever feeling homesick, just pick up the phone and start a conversation.