If you’re in college and have a hard time taking care of your physical health, you’re not alone.
I was going to make this a simple “3 easy steps” kinda post, but I feel the Lord pulling it in a different direction.
Because there’s two sides to this topic.
There’s one side where it’s obviously going to be challenging to take care of your physical health because of the nature of being a college student. You have a busy schedule, you’re probably getting inconsistent sleep, you may be living off a meal plan, there’s several factors.
But then there’s the side about how mentally challenging it can be to take care of your physical health. The side where college is a time you meet girls that are “prettier” than you, skinnier than you, more fit than you, tanner than you, and you find yourself comparing your beauty to theirs. The side where you look in the mirror and hate what you see. The side where eating disorders can develop in college.
With this in mind, I want to be sensitive to whatever physical and mental struggle you may be navigating and let you know- you’re not alone.
While I am not a medical professional (and I would advise you to seek professional help if you need it), I do have a few pieces of wisdom I want to encourage you with when it comes to physical health.
Stop Comparing yourself to others.
Your health is yours. Not your roommate’s or your friend’s.
College is a time where you meet people that go to the gym at 6am every morning and people that spend days gaming in their dorm room, never seeing the light of day. You cannot get distracted or compare your health to anyone else’s. Stay on your path and learn what your body needs to feel at your best.
For me, I’ve learned that I can’t stay up super late the way other people can. My body doesn’t respond to caffeine the way other people do. (If you know me, you know my golden rule is no caffeine after 2pm!😂)
Learning these things about myself has helped me understand that it’s okay to have different physical needs than the college students around me and it’s actually a good thing to be in tune with your body and not let others’ lifestyle habits dictate yours.
Another huge part of this is being confident in what you know is best for your body even if you’re the only one not participating in an activity.
You might say no to drinking at a party because you know it’s not good for your health. (Not to mention if it’s illegal and/or against your morals.)
You may pass up the late night Taco Bell run- or go with your friends but not get anything– that’s okay!!
Don’t give into peer pressure, whether it’s something that could be detrimental to your health, or simply something you know is not best for your body.
“Don’t give into peer pressure, whether it’s something that could be detrimental to your health, or simply something you know is not best for your body.”
Be the weirdo that packs a lunch or orders a kids meal if you’re not that hungry! Your physical health (and usually bank account!) will thank you!
To the one comparing your body to others- remember that you are on your own health journey and that true beauty is not defined by outward appearance. (I don’t care if it sounds cheesy, it’s true!)
Don’t Neglect Sleep.
I can’t give “physical health in college” advice without mentioning SLEEP.
One of the things that can extremely alter your college experience (either positively or negatively) is in how much sleep you’re getting each night.
Get into the habit of setting a time to start settling down. Do your best to get homework done during the day.
Read: 5 Habits to Break This Semester
Late night studying is necessary sometimes, but ask yourself how well you’re really going to do if you’re absoletyly exhausted the next day.
I’m actually under the weather as I’m writing this post and I can attest that sleep works wonders for the body haha.
Drink Water
We’ve all heard it, but water really does help a lot of things.😅 Carry around a reusable water bottle so can stay hydrated throughout the day.
I’ve heard it recommended to drink half your body weight in fluid ounces and drink more if you drink coffee or exercise, and I have found that really helpful for me.
Get MOvin’
You don’t have to have a complicated fitness routine to stay healthy in college. Take advantage of the resources in front of you!
Get the most out of a free gym membership at your campus rec center! Take advantage of nice weather and go on a walk with friends or study outside. Try walking instead of driving when possible.
Make it fun! Take a workout class with friends, join an intramural team, visit local trails, do things that de-stress, not add to to your stress.
Eat Mindfully
I know eating can be a big hurdle adjusting to college life. I won’t go into details as far as what you “should” eat, I’m not here to give you a list of dos and don’ts. You know your body and your health. Plus, how helpful is advice like “eat vegetables” anyway?😂
All I will say is to simply be mindful of your eating habits. It’s hard to find the balance between not caring about what you eat and caring way too much, so again, don’t be hard on yourself. Listen to your body.
I’ll tell you a little bit about what I learned my freshman year by listening to my body. I learned that not eating an hour or two before going to bed helps me feel better. I learned that dining hall food did not make me feel great😅 and met with a nutritionist back home who have me lots of great tips and dorm-friendly meal ideas! I learned that eating fruit gives me energy! I learned that I actually don’t like huge servings of ice cream or milkshakes.
Read: My College Grocery Staples
Remember there is grace.
I know this is SO much easier said than done, but stop being so hard on yourself.
You’re figuring out what eating, exercising, and a whole new lifestyle on your own looks like. Take it all in as inventory– allow yourself time to learn what works and doesn’t work for you.
I can’t give you the advice “stop being so hard on yourself” without explaining that the only way I’m able to do that is through Jesus.
“I can’t give you the advice “stop being so hard on yourself” without explaining that the only way I’m able to do that is through Jesus.”
True grace is something only found through him, we can’t give it to ourselves. There’s nothing more forgiving, freeing, or redemptive than knowing that we don’t have to be perfect because Jesus is. He took care of it all on the cross.
It’s only in him that I am able to learn from my mistakes and move on rather than beat myself up over them. The pressure’s off when we live in his grace!
If you’ve made some mistakes in the area of taking care of your body– drinking, abusing substances, working out to attain a certain image, eating fast food that makes you feel gross– whatever it may be, you’re not alone. Remember there is grace. And if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior, you’re forgiven.
Like I said, this isn’t your typical quick tips and tricks post, because there’s more to the story when it comes to physical health in college.
I pray that this post encourages you to take care of yourself and receive grace! Post on mental health in college coming soon! 🙂