By Lexi De La Sierra
Account Executive
Starting a new chapter in your life, such as college, can be both thrilling and challenging. It is a time when you get to experience leaving your home’s familiarity to step out of your comfort zone and discover the exciting path to independence for the first time. From my freshman year at Elon University to now as a senior, I have learned many tips and tricks to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Making a Plan
First and foremost, I suggest planning out your week on a Sunday night. Scheduling your classes, homework, extracurricular activities, meals, exercise, socializing, and time to yourself helps maintain balance and consistency, as well as time management and organization. When you set a time to be productive, it is easier to manage healthier habits and stay committed to your goals.
Getting Enough Sleep
Another key concept to staying healthy is aiming for seven to ten hours of sleep. According to Cornell Health, nearly “25% of students surveyed indicate that lack of sleep impedes their academic performance.” Sleeping allows our brains to take in new information and recuperate for the following day. A good night’s sleep makes your thoughts clearer and emotions less fragile. If you do not get enough sleep, you will wake up feeling groggy and unproductive. This can lead to missing things on your “to-do” list and needing to nap, which can mess up your daily routine.
Communicating with Friends and Family
Life can get hectic, and there are times you will feel overwhelmed and that there is not enough time in your day. When this happens, make sure to prioritize your mental health by checking in with your support system and communicating with your family and friends. It is important to make time for breaks and hanging out with your friends by watching a show or walking outdoors. This can help build new relationships by creating a balanced social life and trying to say yes to everything, which can lead to new and exciting adventures.
Eating Balanced Meals
Lastly, eating balanced meals and treating yourself to sweet treats occasionally makes your body feel good and your mind stay focused. Transitioning from home-cooked meals to eating in the dining hall or cooking meals can be difficult. Try to watch TikTok and other videos on how to fuel your body to prevent yourself from getting sick in a new environment while staying active.
Final Thoughts
As I get ready to graduate in the spring, I am excited to take what I have learned at Elon about staying healthy and consistent and bring these tips and tricks to the real world, continuing to be mindful of a healthy lifestyle, and being as proactive and productive as I can throughout my daily routine.
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