This February, Take Stock in College is celebrating self-love! Take this month to be your own valentine and to check-in with yourself about your habits. Are you taking good care of yourself?
Listen, we know how busy you are! From taking classes, to doing homework, working, trying to have a social life, and managing your family responsibilities, it can all take a toll on your body. It is easy to cut corners on your health, but proper nutrition, sleep habits, and exercise can go a long way to keeping you happy, energized, and can even help with stress!
Check out these quick tips that you can easily slide into your day to show your body that you care.
Don’t skip breakfast
Don’t let being busy keep you from eating! Set your alarm and head over to the dining hall in the morning, or keep an apple and some peanut butter in your room. Eating breakfast gives you the energy you need to get through the day, so plan to include it!
Drink water
Skip the sugary sodas and expensive lattes; stay hydrated with water instead. Carrying a reusable water bottle can help keep you full longer, keep headaches at bay, and—bonus—it makes your skin look great. Pro tip: If you see a tent on campus—likely near the student union—stop by! You can often walk away with a free water bottle!
Take a vitamin
Consider investing in a daily multivitamin to ensure you are getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function. These can be picked up at any drug store, grocery, or from the internet!
Drop into your campus fitness enter
Move your body! Most campuses have a free fitness center full of equipment you can use. Some even offer fitness classes like Zumba, yoga, and kickboxing. Regular exercise keeps your heart healthy and has proven to help relieve stress.
Join intramural
Not a gym rat? Try joining intramural sports! This is a great way to meet new people, get moving, and—most importantly—have fun!
Prioritize sleep
Want to succeed in your classes, have enough energy to conquer your day, and help ward off illness? Getting a solid 8 hours a day is the answer! Skip the all-nighter cram sessions and instead schedule your studying earlier in the day so you can get some much needed rest!
Wash your hands
One good flu can keep you out of class, work, and any kind of social event for up to two weeks. Stay healthy by washing your hands regularly, carrying hand sanitizer, and getting your annual flu shot. Actually, most colleges offer flu shots for free! Check in with the health center on if flu shots are being offered on campus this year. If not, you can get one for $20 from Walgreens or CVS.
Remember that taking care of yourself is a priority, Take Stock college scholars. You work hard, so you deserve to feel good, energized, and ready for each and every day. For more self-care tips, tuned to our social media tips (@TSinCollege) and www.takestockconnect.com!