The Struggles of Staying Fit in College

Whether you’re a freshman looking to maintain your healthy habits or a returning student hoping to improve your health and wellness habits; this blog is for you. The college experience does not necessarily cater to those who prioritize staying fit in college. Excessive drinking, busy schedules, and dining hall food make it difficult to achieve health goals on campus. However, it is important to note that it is possible, and it can actually be fun. 

A fresh school year is one of the best times to implement a new routine that supports your list of nonnegotiable healthy habits. Although we have discussed the importance of developing your personal list of nonnegotiables before, we thought it was important to mention it when speaking on college culture and goals. The fast-paced nature of college can throw off even the most distinguished routines. Identifying your priorities and sticking to them can help you find peace and order on even the craziest days. 

Zenbodi is dedicated to helping you become the healthiest and happiest version of yourself. We believe that balance is necessary for both to be true. In this blog, we will discuss different factors that often hold students back from staying healthy in college and three ways to overcome these obstacles. 

Helping You Design a Routine that Supports Staying Fit in College

Establishing a routine is the best way to achieve your health and wellness goals throughout the school year. From making last-minute plans with friends to staying up late studying, college life throws a lot at us, unexpectedly. Your health and wellness includes all aspects of your life including sleep, exercise, and diet habits. A college routine will not necessarily be the same every day. In fact, the best routine is one that has room for last-minute changes. Here are our three top tips for staying healthy in college while maintaining a fun and memorable social life. 

3 Tips for Staying Fit in College

Eating healthy and clean in college can be incredibly difficult. For one, many college students do not have access to a kitchen and are left with dining hall options. If this is the case for you, you may find it difficult to build an appetizing and healthy plate. Generally, following a nutritional template can help you arrange a healthy plate with a small range of options. A healthy plate should consist of protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, etc.), carbs (rice, bread, potatoes, etc.), and vegetables. Instead of reaching for a slice of pizza and fries, choosing these nutritious options will help you stick to your health and wellness goals. 

In terms of snacking, you might realize that the cereal, chips, and other dining hall options are high in sugar and lack nutritional value. We recommend keeping a personal stash of snacks in your dorm that you can reach for between classes and other activities that occupy your time. Here are our favorite on-the-go healthy snacks:

• Veggies and hummus
• Greek yogurt with fruit
• String cheese
• Protein drinks (this is our favorite protein powder)

The best time to exercise is early in the morning, before your other responsibilities. This provides an optimal opportunity for you to get it out of the way and does not interfere with your classes and social life. 

However, if you got stuck with an 8 a.m. class or are not a morning person (we get it), other options are available. This could include using free periods between classes for a quick gym session, participating in group fitness classes on campus, or just choosing to walk to classes instead of taking other transportation options. Additionally, taking advantage of on-campus recreational facilities or joining intramural sports teams can provide motivation and accountability to stay active. 

From having night owl roommates to staying up late studying, college students can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to sleep. However, it is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and getting enough energy to be a proactive student. 

Creating a bedtime routine is the best way to improve sleep health. Creating a comfortable environment for yourself to sleep in is the first step. Earplugs, eye masks, and sound machines can provide a solution for even the most chaotic of sleep environments. Additionally, ending screen time an hour before bed is proven to help you fall asleep faster. If you struggle to sleep as a result of racing thoughts, we recommend that you try sleep meditations to slow your mind and prevent anxiety at late hours. 

Consuming too much coffee throughout the day is a common cause of insomnia. This was an issue that our team at Zenbodi set out to fix. We loved the positive effects of caffeine but were frustrated by the jitters and insomnia that came with it. This inspired us to create a coffee that wakes us up without the side effects of traditional coffee blends. The best part? Zenbean is packed with nootropic ingredients that boost cognitive function to ensure you are at your sharpest, even in those early morning classes. 

Finding Balance as a College Student

Freshman year can be incredibly daunting for anyone, especially if you are concerned about losing grasp of your health and wellness goals. Finding a balance between your personal goals and your social life can be difficult, and it often takes a year or two to achieve. 

By making conscious choices to prioritize health and social aspects in their daily routines, college students can cultivate a balanced lifestyle that promotes holistic wellness and personal growth. Once students find this equilibrium between academics, health, and relationships, they can optimize their college experience and lay a foundation for lifelong well-being.