How To Live A Healthy Life As A Student

It can be hard to live a healthy lifestyle at uni. The stereotypical student spends all their money on nights out and eat cold beans straight from the tin. In a world where Heinz continues to reign supreme, how can you stay healthy and be a normal student at the same time?

Let’s investigate.

Eat well

Food comes first – before alcohol, nights out or finding new relationships. Keeping yourself well-fed and nourished will help you in every aspect.

Some students opt for making themselves a menu or having a couple of go-to meals that they can always whip up. Think of fast food and takeaways as a treat; only get them when deserved.

Always attempt to have a balanced meal. Yes, that means greens too.

Drink plenty of water

It’s no revelation that we need water to survive – we are mainly made up of the stuff! Water will keep you hydrated, maintain clear skin and is always readily available. It’s even free at bars and restaurants.

If you really want to mix it up, have a coffee or tea (with as little sugar as possible), sparkling water or even add fruit as a detox.

Get some sleep

Students are normally either nocturnal or simply never sleep. It’s easy to forget how vital sleep actually is when you’ve been awake for 72 hours and are hyped up on coffee.

Sleep helps to process information, rest your brain and body, and can protect your mental health. As a student, you may think you are invincible and some nights you may be. But don’t let yourself go too long without sleep or at least a good nap; you’re just making life harder for yourself.

Keep fit

Exercise! Does all that dancing on student nights count? Uncertain.

What definitely does count is the gym. Universities will usually have a gym, or there’ll at least be one nearby that offers a student discount. Attending a campus gym is the most efficient as you don’t have to travel too far, you can go with friends or make friends there.

Students aren’t famous for making healthy food choices, so it’s good to balance out the calories with a bit of cardio or weights. Exercising can also be a good escape, offering time out from all the hard work you’ve been putting in. If the gym isn’t your thing, try a run, society dance classes or sports teams.

Don’t be sucked into the drink/drug cycle

No one wants to admit they have succumbed to peer pressure and no one wants to admit they’re struggling. At university, there will be plenty of times when people offer you alcohol or drugs. Do not feel obliged at any point to accept any substance you don’t want.

If you’re feeling stressed, turn to hobbies, friends, exercise or even a counsellor for some help. Building a dependency won’t be good for you at any point of life. If you find yourself getting sucked in, stop as soon as you can.

Remember: you are here to learn

A lot of students use university and living away from home as a portal to doing whatever they want in the hope that their parents won’t find out. Always bear in mind that as a student you are studying, you are learning and you are paying a hefty amount of money to be where you are.

Student life may be partly about having fun, but you’re at university to obtain your degree first and foremost. Try not to be sidetracked by the other advantages and remain loyal to your studies. And remember: healthy students are happy students!

Nikita studied English with Creative Writing at Brunel University London. Her loves include literature, travelling and writing. She is a spiritual soul and a bit of a wanderer. Stalk her on Twitter, Instagram and on http://www.nikitamurva.com/!

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