How to Stay Healthy in College

Some of the busiest years of your life are during college.

Juggling classes, extracurriculars, social life, applying for jobs/internships, all while trying to stay sane.

Sometimes taking care of your physical health just goes on the back burner. That being said, there are some easy ways to stay healthy and continue your fitness journey without having to spend a lot of energy.

Here are 5 Easy Ways to Stay Healthy in College

1. Stop Doing the College Things.

You’re going to be surrounded by kids who are constantly drinking and out partying every night. Don’t be like them! Not only will this help your physical and mental health, but help your grades. Oh, and you won’t be an alcoholic by age 20.

I notice that the people who go out constantly are always sick. I am a huge germ freak, so this keeps me away even more.

FOMO is real, but try surrounding yourself with people who don’t drink every weekend so that way it doesn’t feel like you’re missing out on much. You can also think of the benefits of focusing on school and yourself instead of partying. Missing out on temporary fun to build permanent stability is not a loss!

Read this to see how alcohol affects every part of your body.

2. At–Dorm-Gym

When I first came to college, every girl I knew wanted to go to the gym, but what too intimidated by all the guys and too afraid to go alone.

Gyms are scary, especially as a woman. I recommend either making an at-home-gym in your dorm with just a yoga mat and YouTube videos, or get a group of friends together to go to your campus gym. Going with friends is way less scary and eventually you’ll feel comfortable enough to go by yourself.

working out at home- how to stay healthy in college

3. Dining Hall Discipline

Dining halls have just about every type of food, and it’s tempting when your surrounded by sweets and fats at every meal.

It’s important to develop healthy habits and remember you are eating to nourish your body and your brain.

I’m not a huge fan of counting calories as I think there is a fine line between trying to stay healthy and becoming a victim of diet culture that leads to an unhealthy relationship with food. That being said, what I like to do is make sure I have a variety of foods. I usually have fruits, veggies, meat, and dairy within every meal, and I notice the less I eat sugar/junk food, the less I crave it.

4. Go to Bed 30 Minutes Earlier

Even 30 minutes can make all the difference. Most of the time the reason we stay up late is literally just to scroll.

Along the same lines, get off your phone! Instead of doom scrolling, read a book, mediate, pray, literally anything else other than sitting in front of a screen. Screens keep your brain stimulated and much harder to fall and stay asleep. Read the effects of screens before bed here.

Read the benefits of sleep in college students here.

5. Drink Water Religiously

This one is the easiest on the list. There are water fountains everywhere on campus. Use them!

Even something as simple as water can make a huge difference in how you feel on the daily. More energy, less brain fog, better digestion, etc.

Click here to figure out how much water you need to drink every day.