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100 Healthy Habits You Should Start in College

Published on Monday 4th 2008f August, 2008

College is a time of freedom and exploring new opportunities, but it is also a time to establish habits that will shape the rest of your life. The following habits range from physical health, to mental health, to professional health. Read below to find what you can start doing now to set yourself up for a great life to follow.

Sleep

With studying and work and a social life, sleep may frequently get pushed to the back. Find out what you can do to establish good sleep habits now.

1. Go to bed. Of course you are going to go to bed, but make sure you do it before you feel exhausted. Pushing yourself to stay up for the news or the end of a TV show means you are probably cheating yourself out of your much-needed sleep.
2. Get a good night's rest. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, leave your worries behind you, and sip some chamomile tea. Here are more tips for how to ensure a great sleep.
3. Wake up earlier. Give yourself just 30 extra minutes in the morning and you will be amazed at how much more you can accomplish before starting your day. Many people snooze for at least this long, so just try getting out of bed instead.
4. Don't snooze. You certainly wouldn't want to purposely give yourself a poor night's sleep, so why do you hit the snooze button in the morning? Snoozing guarantees that you will not be getting quality sleep during those last few minutes or hours of the morning. Make a change for a better start to your morning and skip the snooze.
5. Get a pleasant alarm. Instead of waking up startled, try an alarm that wakes you up gently such as the Zen alarm clock. Establish a pleasant waking experience for a great way to start your days.
6. Sleep routine. Stick to a routine with consistent bed time and wake-up times. Consistently sleeping at the same time every night provides you with a better chance for a good night's sleep.
7. Just sleep enough. The range of sleep a person needs is highly individualized. Some people get by just fine with six hours a night while others need closer to nine. Find out how much sleep you really need.

Eating

Everyone has to do it, but how you do it can make a big difference for your health. Start these healthy habits to guarantee you're putting the best food in your body.

8. Breakfast. Eat a healthy breakfast every morning to get your day off to a good start.
9. Balance. Don't just live on ramen noodles. Get a balance of several fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.
10. Be adventurous. Open your mind and try new foods. Not only will this help you find that balance, it will help you explore interesting possibilities.
11. Water. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and keep your body running smoothly.
12. Antioxidants. Eating foods high in antioxidants is not only good for maintaining your health, it is also good for preventing health problems.
13. Organic. Start buying and eating organic now for benefits to your body, health, and the environment. Read the Organic Guide for news, recipes, and ideas for going organic.
14. Fast food. The saturated fats and generally poor food quality of fast food is not something you want to keep putting in your body. Reducing fast food as much as you can now is a great habit to start.
15. Heavily processed food. The preservatives, artificial ingredients, and high fat content of processed foods are not good for the body. Get in the habit of eating foods as close to their source as you can.
16. White sugar. Refined "table" sugar creates strong fluctuations in blood-sugar levels, which results in a whole host of health problems, including cardiovascular and cholesterol issues. Stick with a more natural sweetener such as honey, cane sugar, or agave.
17. Olive oil. The oils found in margarine and other processed foods hold a direct link to higher cholesterol, which in turn, leads to less blood flow to the brain. Start using olive oil for a better alternative.

Exercise

Getting in the exercise habit is one thing you will be happy for all your life. The following exercises are easy to do, cost little to no money, and are perfect for fitting into a busy schedule.

18. Yoga. Yoga is a calming, yet energizing way to exercise your body and your mind. Watch this video to learn how to do a sun salutation series or read about how to do sun salutations at this site.
19. Run. Get in a quick run any time of the day for an easy, low-cost way to exercise.
20. Walk. If running isn't your thing or you just need to give your body a rest, walking is an excellent form of exercise.
21. Stretch. It can be as simple as bending down to touch your toes or as elaborate as a workout routine, but stretching will get your blood flowing. Try these easy stretches.
22. Jump rope. Jumping rope isn't just for kids. This exercise is easy to do at home, doesn't cost a lot, and gets your heart pumping right away. Why You Should Jump Rope not only answers why, but offers four different techniques and a video demonstrating some techniques.
23. Swim. Whether you have access to a swimming pool or a natural body of water, swimming is an excellent workout for your body and offers some quiet time for your mind.
24. Tai Chi. In many Asian countries, it is not unusual to see people outside early in the morning practicing their Tai Chi. Learn more about the benefits from this graceful, low-impact exercise in this article.
25. Bicycle. Jump on your bike, whether it's stationary or the traditional kind that can take you places. Cycling is good for your heart and if you are lucky enough to ride outside, the fresh air is good for you too.
26. Push-ups. While these may bring visions of boot camp or memories of that crazed PE teacher you had in elementary school, push-ups are a great way to exercise and require no extra cost or equipment. Here is one way to do them.
27. Dance. Fulfill your childhood dream of being a ballerina or just get down with your funky self and make up your own dance steps to your favorite music. Dance is a fun form of exercise that you can do in the privacy of your own room or at a club with friends.

Physical Health

Taking care of your health when you are young may seem unnecessary, but starting now with healthy habits will help you be healthier later in life too.

28. Vitamins. Get in the habit of taking vitamins every day so that you can rest assured you are giving your body all that it needs to function well.
29. Fish oil. It is incredibly beneficial to your body. Choosing a high-quality fish oil will ensure the best results and eliminate any "fishy" taste from the supplement.
30. Insurance. Get health insurance and keep it. Many colleges offer special health insurance for students.
31. Check-ups. Visit your doctor at least once a year to ensure you are staying healthy.
32. Dentist. Visit your dentist and get your teeth cleaned twice a year. Dental health is not only a good hygiene habit, it can also promote better overall health.
33. Weight. Maintain a healthy weight. Constantly losing and gaining large amounts of weight is not good for your body.
34. Smoking. Stop smoking right now or don't be tempted to start if you don't already smoke. It's easier to stop this habit early in life.
35. Alcohol. Learn early on that alcohol in moderation is not only better for your body, but leaves others with a impression of your self control.
36. Protect your skin. Wear sunscreen and a hat when you are outside--whether it's summer or winter. Protect your skin now for healthy and younger-looking skin later.
37. Posture. Start standing and sitting up straight for a healthier and more attractive posture.

Mental Health

No matter if you are in college juggling courses, work, friends, and family or if you are juggling a career, spouse, and children, you need to know how to take care of yourself in the face of stress. These habits will help you do just that.

38. Let go. Don't hold on to anger or grudges. Learn to let those annoyances go so you can focus on more positive things.
39. Meditate. Set aside a few minutes every day for quiet meditation. This can be as simple as sitting peacefully and becoming aware of your breathing and how your body feels. Read this blog post for how to dismiss distractions while you are learning to meditate.
40. Yoga breathing. The deep, relaxing form of breathing used during yoga practice can bring benefits to your mental health.
41. Read the news. Stay on top of current events. Many online sources offer an email option and will let you tailor which type of news headlines you receive.
42. Slow down. Frantically rushing around all day to get everything done is not a good way to live. Slow down and appreciate your day.
43. Emotions. Keep in touch with your emotions. Pretending you don't have certain feelings such as anger, sadness, or loneliness will just push these feeling down until they come back out in less than ideal ways. Identify your emotions and accept them for what they are.
44. Think positively. You will feel empowered to make things happen and to appreciate what you've already accomplished.
45. Read a book. In busy lives, it can be difficult to find time for quiet recreation. Give yourself 10 or 15 minutes to read a book or magazine each day.
46. Journal. Whether you write your thoughts, dabble with poetry or haiku, or draw a picture, take a few minutes to document your ideas . If you are more tech savvy or like to keep connected with friends and family, consider starting a blog.
47. Smile. Smile and laugh often. Not only will a happy demeanor help you feel better, it will also affect those around you.
48. Thank the universe. No matter how you thank the universe, be it through prayer or simply acknowledging the beauty of the sunset, take a moment to be appreciative for your day.

Safety

Being safe is always a good idea. These habits are good ones to make sure you reduce your risks.

49. Seatbelts. Always wear a seatbelt when you are in a car--front or back seat. If you are in a car accident, your chances of sustaining a serious injury while buckled up are much lower.
50. Driving. Practice safe driving habits. Becoming a defensive driver reduces your chances of getting in an accident.
51. Sports helmets. Protect your head when doing certain physical activities such as bicycling, skiing, or rollerblading by wearing the appropriate helmet for your sport.
52. Safe sex. Use condoms every time you have sex to make sure you guard against HIV and any STD's.
53. Drinking and driving. Don't let this combination become a habit for you. A better habit is never to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking.
54. Smoke detectors. These are cheap and easy to install. Get in the habit of having them around sleeping areas and changing the batteries twice a year.
55. Lock it up. Lock doors and windows when you leave your home or when you are sleeping at night. It's a great safety habit to do every day.

Productivity

Time is usually something that seems to be in short demand. Learn how to make the most of your time now so you don't feel the pinch of too little time.

56. Evening routine. Establish an evening routine before bed that will get you organized and ready for the next day ahead of you. Lay out your clothes, pack a lunch, make a to-do list, and whatever else you can prepare ahead of time.
57. Stop procrastinating. Putting things off until the last minute not only raises stress levels, it almost ensures you won't do as good a job as you would if you would have done it ahead of time.
58. Set goals. Whether your goals are small ones, big ones, or a mix of both, having goals that you work towards will keep you focused and motivated.
59. Make lists. Stay organized and never forget to do something again. Making lists is a great habit to live by.
60. Be comfortable. Set a place aside for your studying and make sure it is comfortable. If you are surrounded by happy photos in a comfy chair you will work more productively.
61. File. When you are finished with a paper, bills, or anything else that could create clutter, immediately file it away or throw it in the recycle bin.
62. Plan ahead. Know what you need to accomplish each day and make a plan for how and when you will get it done.
63. Just do it. Get in the habit of acting rather than just thinking about doing something.
64. Now. Don't waste time fretting about what you should have done or worrying about what might happen in the future. Focus on what you are doing right now and you will do it so much better.
65. Get rid of unnecessary tasks. Cross things off your to-do list that don't need to be done and don't take on any new tasks that are unnecessary.

Work and Study

Whether you are getting along with a professor, a lab partner, or a co-worker, you will need good habits to make the most out of your experience. These habits will take you far in both school and professionally.

66. Balance. Find a balance between work time and free time to ensure you don't fall too far the other way on either side.
67. Prioritize. Get accustomed to prioritizing your work or studies so that you can focus on more important projects first.
68. Find solutions. If you discover a problem, don't just complain about it--offer a solution instead.
69. Discipline. Getting in the habit of using self-discipline will ensure that you get your work done.
70. Communicate. Learn to express yourself clearly and concisely to others and don't be afraid to use that knowledge.
71. Be prepared. You don't come to class without your materials, and you don't go to an important meeting without what you need. Being in the habit of coming prepared sets you up for success.
72. Be on time. Being punctual is a great habit to have. Employers, professors, and others who rely on you will appreciate your being on time.
73. Team player. Cooperating with others and working together to complete tasks is a valuable skill. Get used to being a team player from the beginning.
74. Self-reliant. Learn how to problem-solve on your own. If you are really stuck and just can't figure it out, then ask for help, but try to work it out on your own first.
75. Handshake. Give a firm handshake and make eye contact while you do so. Make this a habit to make a good impression.
76. Confidence. Your confidence level shows others you are capable of what you are doing. Even if you are new at something, remain confident and you may be surprised how much more easily you perform the task.
77. Flexibility. Seeing everything in black and white isolates you from others. Learn to be flexible even when faced with something you feel strongly about.
78. Don't be demanding. Pushing others too hard or setting unrealistic expectations for yourself and others will cause hard feelings for all involved.
79. Think outside the box, but not too far. Creativity and originality is great for stimulating your career, but if you are constantly pushing all limits just because you can, then you may find your creativity is hurting you professionally.
80. Don't avoid conflict. Avoiding conflict at any cost just pushes the problem to the back. Instead, learn to gracefully and diplomatically deal with conflict resolution.

Finances

Money is tricky for most people. Get in these good habits right away for healthy finances both now and later.

81. Save. Even if you can only save $10 a month, get in the habit of putting something away every month to build up your money.
82. Spend wisely. Learn how to spend your money without overspending. A frugal lifestyle is a healthy financial habit.
83. Credit. Don't get in the habit of spending on credit. Learning to live within your means early in life will set the stage for financial security later.
84. Set goals. Have specific long term financial goals you can work toward such as saving for a car or house and have a plan for obtaining your goals.
85. Resist the urge. Curb your impulse spending and you will be surprised to discover how much extra money you have. Here are some tips to help you start a good habit.
86. Budget. If you get in the habit of setting a budget and living by it, then when you start making more money, you will already be set.
87. Pay bills on time. Whether you set up auto pay with your bank or use your own system, make sure you get in the habit of paying all your bills on time each month.
88. Track spending. Sometimes it seems like money just slips away. Tracking where you spend your money and getting accustomed to doing so will ensure you stay on top of your money.
89. Talk about it. Whether you are sharing finances with your parents, a partner, or a spouse, get in the habit of talking about finances with the people in your life to make sure you are seeing eye to eye and are both working toward the same goals.
90. Build in rewards. You don't have to live like you have no money at all. Reward yourself for good financial habits by building special treats into your budget.

Friendships

Friends are an important part of life, whether you have one or one hundred. Get in these habits to make sure you have healthy friendships throughout your life.

91. Get out. If you aren't naturally an extrovert, make sure you get out and meet people. Start learning how to become social now while you have so many opportunities.
92. Make the first move. Invite a new friend out to do something. If you sit around and wait for the other person, you may miss an opportunity for friendship.
93. Say "thank you". When someone deserves recognition for something they have done, don't forget to acknowledge them with a simple, yet effective "thank you."
94. Be nice. Not only is being nice a common courtesy, it is also contagious.
95. Choose wisely. Pick who will be your friends based on common interests and if you truly enjoy being around them. The friends you enjoy the most deserve your attention much more than the others.
96. Be accepting. Don't try to change your friends into what you want them to be. Learn to appreciate people for who they are and ignore the minor irritations or the unique traits that make them part of the friend you already enjoy.
97. Be honest. Nothing can kill a friendship, or any kind of relationship, faster than dishonesty. Be honest with your friends and they will respect you more.
98. Keep in touch. Throughout your life, you will have friends come and go. Sometimes it becomes easy to lose touch with friends who were once very important in your life. Make it a habit to remain in contact with those special friends.
99. Don't criticize. As much as you like your friends, there are bound to be some points on which you disagree. Certain topics are off limits for friends to criticize such as their partner, family, and children.
100. Listen. An important part of the give and take of a relationship is listening. Create an environment where your friends can feel comfortable enough to share with you and know you hear and care about them.

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