You have probably heard of the “Freshman 15” – this is where you gain 15 pounds your freshman year from eating junk food, not working out and crashing one too many parties. Everyone knows about it, but somehow most people are unable to avoid it. There is a happy medium between having fun and taking care of yourself, so just like everything else, make sure that you have balance.
A couple easy rules to follow so that you can take good care of yourself:
• Workout at least 3 days a week (this could include running outside, going to the gym or playing an intramural sport)
• Eat healthy (its OK to cheat once in awhile, but educate yourself on proper eating habits so that you know the types of foods to avoid)
• Get into a routine (have a diet, workout regularly, go to bed and wake up at the same times)
• Don’t do drugs (they are a waste of money and brain cells)
If you are in good physical shape you will feel better about yourself, be more active, get more done and feel better mentally. Your physical health will also have an impact on your classroom performance as well.
The Bottom Line: It might be tempting to get into some poor habits with your new found freedom, but make sure you are staying balanced. Getting out of shape is much easier than it is to get back in shape, so create a good routine that balances having fun and taking care of yourself.