For our final post in our series of tips for students heading off to college, we have some advice for how to make sure that you stay healthy in college. You probably already know most of these, but with so many new people to meet and so many new things going on during the first few weeks, it's easy to forget and to develop bad habits that will eventually take their toll.
1. If your school has a gym, take advantage of it. Some schools have really nice gyms!
2. Some healthy snacks you can keep in a dorm room are popcorn, peanut butter and crackers, fruit, dried fruit, yogurt, granola bars, cereal and milk, and water.
3. Pick one junk food to have in your room during finals week. Since you will be stressed, you will want to eat a lot of junk food, but having too much will only make you more stressed.
4. Keep a grocery list. When you shop with a list, you will be less tempted to buy food that you do not need. Plus, you will actually come back from the store with the things that you went there to get.
5. Invite a friend to go to an exercise class with you. If the class is absolutely horrible, you can laugh about it later. If the class is wonderful, you now have an exercise buddy and something fun to look forward to next time.
6. Do not buy fountain drinks when you go out to eat. Get water instead. You will save money, and you will not have to worry about all the extra calories.
7. If you really want a soft drink, get a can. It will limit the amount that you drink. One 12 oz. soft drink does much less damage than larger amounts.
8. If you were a high school athletic, understand that your body will go through some changes because it is no longer being used in the same way (i.e. you aren't practicing 10 hours a week.) Stay active, but know that you will most likely not stay at the same level you were at before.
9. Pick a healthy way to deal with stress. Draw, go on a run, dance around your room, pick a friend to talk with, clean your room (yes, cleaning works for some people). Decide how you will handle stress before you get stressed.
10. Finally, know that counseling services are available. If you need them, go to them.
Make sure to read 20 More Tips for College and 30 Study Tips for Success in College.
My school had a crap gym and I STILL lived in it. Working out makes everything so much better.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true! I always felt better on days when I worked out.
DeleteGreat college tips. Glad I found this at the #WonderfulWednesdayBlogHop!
ReplyDeleteThose are some great tips Liz. I live in a small town where campus is the biggest part of it...and I sale Pure Romance so I am always in dorms with the girls and its crazy how one place I go is just nothing but junk food, then the next is healthy girls who work out together. I think who they are around helps tremendously, so grabbing a friend to work out is a great pointer. plus it helps you both stay accountable! Ill pin this on a group board to help spread your post out there in pin land :) www.liverandomlysimple.com (not this blogger account)
ReplyDeleteIt's so true how much your friends can influence you to stay active. Thanks for pinning! It's always appreciated!
DeleteNewest follower from Sweet Haute hop. Love this... sent it to my girls!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope that it's helpful for them!
DeleteFine tips! Every college freshman should have a look at that. After all, it's better to start early because their health will have to do with the kind of college they will go to, and its respective curriculum and environment. It will be smart and fitting to start, choose well and to get all the help that they need to get admitted to their respective colleges. Healthy schooling is equal to healthy living. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteValerie Casey @ Studemont Group CFS