3 Ways to Get Healthy in the New Year

3 Ways to Get Healthy in the New Year (Image via pexels.com) 1. Drink more water. You probably hear this one all the time, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Staying hydrated is one of the most basic, key steps towards leading a healthier lifestyle. One way to make sure you drink enough water is to set a goal for yourself. Everyone has heard, “Drink 6-8 glasses a day,” and while not everyone may need to follow that rule exactly, it’s a good marker for keeping track of how much you drink on a daily basis. To remind yourself and encourage regular water drinking habits, bring a water bottle wherever you go. (Carrying around your own washable, reusable bottle, rather than constantly buying plastic water bottles from the store, is also less expensive and more eco-friendly.) Whether you’re at work, in class, at the gym, or just heading out for a stroll, having water nearby will constantly remind you to rehydrate yourself. Plus, water is a much cheaper and healthier alternative to other drinks such as soda, juice, or coffee. (Image via pexels.com) 2. Meal prep. Of course, we’re all college students and are usually pretty short on time, but we could perhaps spare an hour here and there to make sure we’re getting proper nutrients. Instead of always eating in the dining halls or going out to restaurants, you can buy groceries and prepare your own food a move that will benefit not only your health, but your wallet as well. Taking the time to go to the supermarket, pick out the food you want, and prepare it in your kitchen (if you live at home, in an apartment, or even in a dorm with a kitchen) can do wonders for your eating habits. You’ll have more control over what you eat, as you won’t be blindly eating something that’s been prepared by someone else. You can consciously choose to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet, and you can prepare your food the way you want to. Although occasionally shopping for your own groceries may be an extra expense if you have a pre-paid meal plan at school, an investment in your health is never wasted. (Image via pexels.com) 3. Schedule time to exercise. Not everyone enjoys exercising, and not all kinds of exercise are suitable for everyone, but we should all make an effort to exercise in some capacity. For those of you who already exercise regularly, create a schedule you’ll realistically be able to stick to once the busy spring semester rolls around. For those of you who are novices at working out, creating a reliable schedule is also a good idea, although you may want to start out slow at first. If you are fairly self-disciplined and can get yourself to the gym on a regular basis, that’s a great start. However, if you need a little extra motivation, you can also ask some of your friends to come with you or sign up for an exercise class at either a local gym or your college’s gym (some colleges offer free workout classes). The best thing about creating your own workout schedule is that you can choose what works best for you in order to achieve your personal goals and interests. Depending on whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or simply maintain a healthier exercise routine in the new year, you can decide for yourself what is most effective. If you enjoy cardio, spend some time on the treadmill or stationary bike … and if you find that boring after a while, you can switch things up a bit by walking, going for a run, or biking around your campus or in a nearby neighborhood. On the other hand, if you prefer lifting weights, spend some time in the gym pumping some iron. (If you’re just starting out, go easy on the weights at first so you can safely and gradually build up to heavier weight.) Ultimately, do what will make you happier and healthier in 2018!