Back To School: Tips To Avoid Stress

After the holidays end and the Christmas lights are taken down, the time has come for many college students around the country to head back to campus. College is an exciting time, but it also brings with it a major shift in your lifestyle and that can become crystal clear after a month home during winter break.

Being away at college brings more independence and the ability to make your own choices; for some, this can cause a lot of stress. The added pressure of college can trigger weight gain, mind fog, sleep deprivation and physical drain — but it doesn’t have to be this way! Research shows that by staying active and maintaining a healthy diet, we can better manage stress and alleviate these negative factors.

By the second term, many new college students can attest that the freshmen 15 is definitely “a thing,” but that doesn’t have to be the case. Set yourself up to succeed with these healthy college tips:

• Skip the dining hall snacks and get a mini fridge.

  Let’s face it, the dining hall sets students up for failure with its buffets and fast-food options. Skip it! By getting a mini fridge in your dorm room you can stock it with healthy options. Further, if you have a late-night study session, you won’t be tempted to order a whole pizza for yourself because you already have a stash of healthy snacks in your fridge.

• Schedule your workouts.

  College is hectic. After going to classes and studying, you may find you are so drained from the day that the last thing you want to do is work out. That’s why it is important to schedule your workouts. Make time in the morning before all your classes start to get your exercise in and you will feel full of energy the rest of the day.

  
• Work out on your way to class.

  If you struggle to fit exercise into your day, make going to class your workout! Depending on the size of your campus, walking and biking are good alternatives to get in your daily exercise. A 40-minute walk round-trip can count as a LISS workout, and it helps clear your mind —that’s a win-win! Make this a time for yourself and listen to your favorite music or call your family to catch up.

• Get some sleep.

  Way easier said than done, but sleep is essential to a healthy routine. Not only does sleep impact your productivity, but it plays a major factor in weight management and mental state. With this in mind, aim to put your phone and laptop away at least one hour before bedtime, as research suggests the harsh light from our devices can keep us awake longer.

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