17 Positive And Healthy Habits To Develop As A Student

Ingredients to living a healthy active lifestyle are 90% mental and 10% physical. Dedication builds a routine, so you must pick a time frame and skill that can't waver. I recommend push-ups and sits-ups first thing in the AM to jumpstart your day, and since it’s your own body weight no equipment is needed and you can do it anywhere. A simple max out in sixty-seconds can set the tone to energize your day and boost self-confidence. My key; pre-select a different motivational song to play each morning to spark you. In about three weeks the exercise will become a habit!

Contributors: Bill Viola Jr. from Kumite Classic Entertainment

In a study conducted at Kansas State University, students were asked to complete a survey regarding their food habits, including the handling of food safely. Surprisingly, many of them outside of the health majors did not know much about food safety. Simple practices such as washing hands and preparation surfaces often, avoiding cross-contamination by separating food, cooking to proper temperatures, and refrigerating food promptly are of critical importance in keeping foodborne illnesses at bay. And these are so easy, students can incorporate them into their daily lives with minimal investment.

Contributors: Candess Zona-Mendola from Make Food Safe

8 simple steps to good grades:

• Create a happy place study space to make all your own.
• Ensure your tools are readily available at a moment’s notice.
• Break each project into smaller steps so accomplishment leads to completion.
• Outline and list your priorities to know what to work on next.
• Create a study pattern that forms good habits to get the work done.
• Know your deadlines and be accountable to each one.
• Give yourself study breaks. Spaces make the music flow.
• Know your distractions. Eliminate them. Detour away from each.

Contributors: Brian Shell from PassionHero

Meals plans aren't always the healthiest dining places. BUT - you can find good options in there! Almost all of them will have chicken, salad, and fruit. Fill up on lean protein, vegetables, water, and then add small indulgences. If you get in the habit of eating healthy most days, you can really enjoy your dinner dates or weekend splurges.

Contributors: Kathryn Alexander from Kathryn Alexander Training

Exercise must be an integral part of every single persons life. As a student, you are at a very advantageous position to develop the habit of incorporating exercise into your routine. Your schedule is predictable, and the likelihood of you having a lot of outside obligations is low. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “once I have more time, I will definitely start going to the gym.”  Life only gets busier after you finish school and trying to establish a fitness routine will only get more difficult. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Preventative healthcare is always cheaper than therapeutic healthcare!

Contributors: Alex Robles from White Coat Trainer

From intramural sports, to lower cost personal trainers, to free classes and good old fashioned peer support, the rec center has countless ways to motivate students! Most rec centers have zumba, yoga, and boot camp classes. Many of them even have outdoor rec programs if camping and canoeing are more your thing.

Contributors: Kathryn Alexander from Kathryn Alexander Training

I know, I know! Where's the fun in that, college students? Alcohol seriously steers you off the health and physique path, though, so small changes can make a big difference. Make a plan to thoroughly enjoy when you drink, but either drink a little less, or not every day.

Contributors: Kathryn Alexander from Kathryn Alexander Training

Getting adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining your health, as well as performing well as a student. It's never too early to make a habit of prioritizing quality sleep. If you find it difficult to sleep (dorms can be noisy places, and sometimes there are just, well, more exciting things to do as a student) the following tips might help:

• Try to maintain a regular schedule for going to sleep and waking up.
• Try to sleep in a quiet and dark environment; if you share a space with others and can't keep it completely quiet or dark, you might find it helpful to use a white noise machine and/or an eye mask.
• If you able to nap, embrace it, but try to limit naps to either 30 minutes (for light sleep) or 90 minutes (if you want to fit in a full sleep cycle) and don't nap too close to the time you intend to turn in for the night.

Contributors: Casey Gardonio-Foat from Wink and Rise

First dates are always so awkward, right? Turn down the coffee-date-interview-vibe and get outside! Go on a walk, play something competitive like tennis, or go on a hike. This breaks the ice in a fun, easy way. Win or lose, you'll win. You have bragging rights, or a rematch!

Contributors: Kathryn Alexander from Kathryn Alexander Training

We are out of the moment 50% of the time, and it is the biggest barrier to our happiness. If you pair a sense of smell with an experience (i.e. meditation), you can even train your brain to that mood state using scent alone!

Contributors: Kathryn Goetzke from The Mood Factory

Hopelessness is the primary symptom of depression, and predictor of suicide. Some keys:

• Create a hope network - have at least one person identified when you don't feel hopeful.
• Know failure is not about you - it is about the process you took towards a goal!
• Look at the process if you want to change your future outcome.
• Don't act from an angry state. You can't be hopeful and angry at the same time.
• Give back to others.
• Be grateful for what you do have to attract more.
• Everything you feed your brain impacts how you feel.

Contributors: Kathryn Goetzke from iFred

When you enter the workforce, you’re still going to need to take breaks. While you’re still a student, learning how to get up and stretch and walk around when working for long periods of time is really important. You should get up at least once every hour you’re working to get the blood flowing and refocus yourself. For longer study breaks in between sessions, get in the healthy habit of exercising.

Contributors: Cory Sarrett, from All Inclusive Health

When you cook for yourself, you control exactly what goes into your food. Learn how to cook healthy and wholesome meals now that you can continue to cook for the rest of your life. There are so many recipes out there for different options for fruits vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, among others.

Contributors: Cory Sarrett, from All Inclusive Health

Binge drinking is notorious on college campuses. However, this is a habit to avoid in the first place. Even binge drinking once can lead to overdose and other serious consequences.

Contributors: Emily Mendez from OnTheWagon

Half an hour before you plan on going to sleep stay away from screens. This includes TV, phones and computers. It's very easy to fall asleep at any one of these three things, but studies have shown that trying to fall asleep right after electronic engagement is almost impossible, due to our brains being overstimulated. If you can master this feat of self control, you will be guaranteed better sleep for the rest of your life.

Contributors: Caleb Backe from Maple Holistics

• Plan ahead. Know where you’ll eat? What are your options? Come prepared with healthy food, and you’re less likely to skip a meal, or binge on easily available junk.
• Hydrate. Not with beer. Filtered water (not from plastic bottles) powers your brain, fuels your cells and helps you detox.
• Exercise. Easiest to forgo when you’re busy. Walking up and down stairs regularly or a quick HIIT session keeps your body and brain fit and alert!
• Kick Sugar. Sugar is addicting and wreaks havoc on your brain, muscle tissue and waistline causing damage that ages you!

Contributors: Allison Samon from Health Allie Lifestyle & Wellness

Just as you wouldn't drive a car without first knowing whether it takes gas or needs to be charged at home, so too should you take the time to get to know what your personality type is: are you an extrovert, introvert, or an ambivert? Do you get energized by being around people and going outward into the world, do you recharge by going inward into the world of your ideas and imagination, or, like a hybrid, do you require a combination of both? Knowing this about your temperament will not only help you learn how to manage your energy, it will also serve you well into your relationships and your career.

Contributors: Michael Alcee from DrichaelAlcee