It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, it’s never too late to start adding positive and healthy routines to your life. This is why I am giving you +7 healthy habits for students. As a college student, it’s beneficial to have routines that keep you sane and thriving during stressful times like exam weeks and the occasional breakdown or two throughout the semester.
This post is all about genius healthy habits for students.
1. Don’t over-stuff your backpack.
When I was a freshman, I thought I needed a binder for every class and I thought I needed to lug my huge textbooks around. And boy was I wrong. Don’t overpack your backpack. Unless a professor tells the class to bring a textbook – keep that thing at home/in your dorm. Also, try not to carry too much with you anyway. At most I have a spiral or two, my computer, and some other backpack essentials that I discussed in another blog post. It’s not only unnecessary, but it’s heavy. It wears you down over time just adding stress and annoyance that you don’t need.
Some practical tips you can use in your life:
Empty your backpack and only add in the things you need. You will know what you use and don’t use in your backpack if you’ve been in school. Get rid of the clutter that’s making your backpack messy and heavy!
2. Work out every week.
Even though I love working out, this was hard for me at first. I was so busy with classes, freshman activities, and trying to join organizations. Even though I have a high metabolism, that does not mean I’m healthy. Finding time to run a mile or two, play some basketball, or lift weights is important. It was a huge stress reliever for me and it also made me happier.
Some practical tips you can use in your life:
If you find it challenging to work out, I highly recommend picking 1-2 days a week you will work out. Do that for a couple of weeks and then think about adding another day. When you work out, you release natural cannabis-like chemicals called endorphins that are proven to ease depression and anxiety. So workout for you. Work out because you know that no matter how hard it may be – it is always worth it.
3. Stop Putting Things Off.
You know you should be studying instead of binge-watching bachelor in paradise. You know you should be finishing homework instead of going out every night. The crazy thing is, we ALL KNOW what we should be doing. But a lot of us still don’t get anything done. I’m in awe of the number of times I have put off studying or reading. However, every time I come to the simple conclusion that getting it done in the beginning is waaaaaay easier than trying to finish the task later.
Some practical tips you can use in your life:
Do it when you think about it. Too many of us think about what we need to do and think “ahh I’ll get to it”. But 9/10 we don’t until it’s due. If you aren’t doing anything that is getting you closer to your goal, stop what you’re doing and get the task done.
Use the 3-2-1 method. I first heard of this from the iconic Mel Robbins. She introduced it to help you stop pressing snooze and get ready to start the day. But you can use this in all areas of your life. Do a countdown 3…2…1 and start working on that task.
4. Socialize.
Involvement in college is a spectrum. One extreme includes hobbits who stay in their dorm or apartment all day and the other includes social butterflies who are out on the town every night having fun with friends. Your goal is to find a happy medium. You don’t want to be closed off but you also want to interact with people every once in a while.
Some practical tips you can use in your life:
Join at least ONE organization on campus.
Join clubs about things that interest you (ex. chess, environmentalism, anime, workout group).
Choose days you will hang with friends, and days you HAVE to say no (for studying or working).
5. Eat Healthier.
This is the most predictable advice I can give you. What you put in your body matters. If you are living #dormlife right now, your options are probably more limited. If you are in a position where you are doing the shopping and cooking, choose healthier meals. I have found so many affordable yummy meals that are healthy.
Some practical tips you can use in your life:
Meal prep healthier meals.
Choose more vegetables such as salads.
Know when to stop eating (because freshman 15 is real).
6. Drink more water.
I recently purchased a bkr glass bottle and to say I’m obsessed is an understatement. Water should be something that you drink every single day. Drinking water is one of the most essential healthy habits for students.
Some practical tips you can use in your life:
Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times.
Flavor your water if you have a hard time drinking it (plenty of recipes online).
Drink a cup of water every morning before starting your day.
Choose water instead of drinks when eating out.
7. Know When To Say NO.
Listen, you’re in college for the first time, once. I’m not here to tell you not to have a good time! But what I will say, as your online big sister, is to pace yourself. While college is a fun and unique experience, you’re also there for a reason. That reason, say it with me, is to graduate! With that being said, have fun with friends, but also make sure you always get your work done first, which leads me back to the Stop Putting Things Off point I made earlier. If you get your work done first, you will have time to have fun without any grief or regrets.
The most important relationship you make in your life is with yourself. It’s genuinely all a mind game. You have to learn to trust yourself by putting yourself first so that you can enjoy what life has to offer you. Having fun with this grey cloud of regret and worry about work you haven’t finished is just not fun at all. So have fun and be yourself but learn when to say NO. You’ll be forever grateful you did in the long run.
8. Give Yourself Grace.
One of the biggest downfalls for me was stressing out. Stressing over school work, time management, boys, networking, and the list goes on. It’s important to shut all the negative voices out. You’re doing your best. And to read an article like this shows your mind is in the right place. So be proactive in becoming healthier but also be patient. There’s only one you so treat yourself with respect. If there are things you need to fix, make a plan and make it happen. If that fails, adjust the plan. No one is perfect and I wish we would collectively tell ourselves it’s going to be ok. Because it will be!
These healthy habits for students are all smart habits to implement. It all starts with you wanting to make a positive change in your life. Reading these healthy habits for students is the first step. Implementing the useful action steps I mentioned is the next step. Make it happen and you’ll never regret it.
