College is an exciting time of growth and exploration. It's also a time to build lifelong habits that will support your overall well-being. Let this blog serve as a guide to prioritizing your health through mindful eating, body movement, and getting restful sleep. Let's make this new year your healthiest yet!
Nutrition
Navigating healthy eating can get overwhelming, especially if you're living on campus without a full kitchen. Eating healthy is possible, even on a budget. Ways you can prioritize nutrition this year:
- Avoid unhealthy campus food options. While fast food options are quick and easy, opt for the whole foods options. Think protein, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. Refer to our Whole Foods Eating Plan for healthy swaps.
- Experiment with meal prepping. Choose healthy whole food options and prep your meals ahead of time. This helps with portion control, boosts healthy eating consistency, and decreases the stress that comes with deciding what you'll eat each meal while also saving you time and money. To be successful, find meals and recipes ahead of time, make a grocery list, and cook in batches. If you don't have a full kitchen to cook, try things like a rotisserie chicken for protein and other easy, pre-made options.
- Stay on budget. Limit eating out, order groceries online (so you can see how much you're spending in real-time) or make a grocery list and stick with it, use your campus meal plan to your advantage (choose good proteins/whole foods when you can), and utilize leftovers.
Exercise
Daily movement is crucial for both your mental and physical health. Start easy; don't try to do too much all at once. Small habits make a big difference, especially when you stick with them over time. Don't burn yourself by starting too hot. Ways to prioritize movement:
- Get outside! Instead of driving, opt for walking or biking to class and around campus. Find a friend and go for a walk or pick up a game of pickleball or sand volleyball. Whatever you can do to move your body and have fun!
- Take advantage of your campus recreation center. Try new workout classes, take a swim, or utilize the free weights and equipment. Treadmills are great for a walk, especially during the winter or when the weather isn't cooperating.
- Try gyms around town. Grab a friend and go try new gyms! Most places offer a free first class, so try them out and find a place where you'll be able to sustainably show up.
Sleep
Sleep is critical. Good, restful sleep affects academic performance and improves memory, learning, and focus, mental and emotional well-being with reduced stress and anxiety, and your physical health with an improved immune system and recovery. Some tips for getting better sleep:
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Get in the habit of getting ready for bed at the same time each night. Start winding down early with a nice bath or a book. A consistent routine allows for more consistent, restful sleep.
- Avoid screens before bed. The endless scroll and TV binging keep you up at night and the blue lights emitted from screens make it hard to fall asleep. Opt for a book instead!
- Limit caffeine and alcohol in the evening. Caffeine and alcohol can affect your sleep, especially when consumed later in the day, so limit your consumption in the evening.
Nutrition, exercise, and sleep are so vital to health living and habit building. Focus on prioritizing these 3 things and remember that we aren't perfect! Some days may be harder to stay on track, but don't fret. Get back on track the next day! Make this semester and year the healthiest yet!
If you run into any issues/illness in the meantime, come see us at Lubbock Primary Care! We have several providers and locations around town ready and committed to you and your health. We help you deal with your everyday illnesses and urgent care needs, manage your chronic conditions, and reach your health and wellness goals.
Lubbock Primary Care Locations
South Quaker Location: 11007 Quaker Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-701-4040
Southwest Milwaukee Location: 10709 Milwaukee Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-207-3703
Central University Location: 5015 University Ave. Unit B1, Lubbock, TX | 806-797-4357
Midland Location: 1300 W Wall St., Midland, TX | 432-684-4488
