Hiya!! I hope whenever and wherever you’re reading this, you’re smiling π
Today’s post is all about some practical and realistic ways to live a happy & healthy lifestyle while in the midst of alllll the college craziness. This season of life is nothing short of hectic; change seems to be the only constant, and a new environment creates many an opportunity to neglect the necessary stability our mind and body craves.
My broken road to health is a story for a later time, but sweet friends, I would love to encourage you for just a moment: the Lord designed us not to be perfect, but to reflect His perfect image. He does not desire us to rigorously train our bodies to look a way that He did not design, or to frugally dwell on every bite we take. This is a sweet life that Jesus died so we could live; our striving for excessive control limits our ability to rejoice and walk in the freedom He gave us.
I am by NO means an expert in the vast field of nutrition/wellness/etc. (and my friends will tell you how huge my sweet tooth is…), but I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite practices to foster a little bit of balance during the frantic freshman experience.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, who you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with you bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Try to get your body up and moving every day!! While I used to be a bit more rigorous when it came to my exercise routine, I am learning to appreciate the ebs and flows of physical fitness, and trying to not put so much pressure on cramming a workout into my busy day if it does not fit into my schedule. Don’t get me wrong- I love a good sweat sesh, but sometimes a nice long walk around campus is just what my body needs:)
- EAT YOUR FRUITS & VEGGIES!!! This is harder in college than it was at home, but I’ve learned how, where, and when I can get the nutrients that help me thrive with full capacity
- Stay flexible with spontaneous plans! Go to ice cream or Insomnia with your friends- the extra calories are worth the extra memories. I promise. Ice cream is goooooooood for the soul :)))
- Take advantage of your walks to class- put your AirPods in and a little pep in your step! Closes those Apple Watch rings real fast lol
- On that note- take the stairs!!! (says the girl on floor 9…) A quick way to get your heart pumping!
- On the side of mental health… sister, read your bible. Nothing else will fill the void in your heart but Jesus- trust me.. I’ve tried it all! Get into the Word & talk to Jesus like He’s your friend, because He is! When we invite Him into every aspect of our lives, our King of Kings works and intervenes on your behalf, for your good, and for His eternal glory. Don’t undermine this power!!!!!!!!!
- Sleeeeeeeeeeeep!!! People really rag on me for going to bed early, but I just have realized how important sleep is to me, personally! Rest is so necessary and yet so neglected in “hustle culture.”
In vain you rise early and stay up late… for He grants sleep to His beloved.
psalm 127:2
- Stay hydrated! Guys, water is legit so good for you AND it is so fun to drink out of a cutie cup! SO fun!
- KEEP UP UR HYGENE. Don’t be the person that smells bad in the elevator… lol but this also means taking care of your hair, skin, nails, laundry, sheets, etc. etc. !!! Clean = calm π
- Get out of your dorm!!!! Study with friends! Go on walks! Go to dinner with your neighbors! It is soooo easy to get so stressed & overwhelmed that you isolate yourself- but life is so much sweeter in community.
- Call your mom!!! Do it. FaceTime her. Right now. It will make her day & yours.
- Eat an apple! SO random but literally I eat one every day.. so yummy, full of fiber, and gives me energy!!!
- SKINNY POP AND OATMEAL. Need I say more ??
- Steal bananas from The Caf LOL
There you have it! Some of my realistic ways of living a healthy and balanced life in COLLEGE! So fun! So worth it! Now go treat your body like the temple of the Holy Spirit that it is ;))
Simply,
Sydney