Many students pick up unhealthy habits during their first year of college that stay with them the rest of their lives. They fall into the routine of microwaved dinners, fast food dining, and binge eating at odd hours of the night due to a stressful school schedule. Most can hardly find the time to exercise on a regular basis. However, despite the hectic world college creates, a healthy lifestyle is possible! Follow these tips for a healthier, happier, better life.

Maintain a Sleep Schedule

College students often stay up late studying and writing papers. For the social butterfly, parties, university sports games, and other events can take precedent over a good night’s rest. Sleep deprivation and irregular sleep patterns disrupt natural processes that heal and reinvigorate the body. Freshmen who have poor sleeping habits typically feel sluggish during the day and suffer insomnia at night along with other health problems. Protect your body and brain by maintaining a sleep schedule that involves going to bed and waking at the same times every day, even on the weekends!

Eat Less Junk Food

Sugar and caffeine are usually the fuel that college freshmen consume the most to stay alert and active. The problem with junk food is that it gives you a temporary high and then requires more and more consumption over time. Since sugar and caffeine can cause acne, depression, weight gain, hormonal imbalance and a wide range of additional health problems, consume foods that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants instead that boost energy in a balanced fashion. Moderate portions of colorful fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats and non-sugary beverages.

Follow an Exercise Plan

Even if you lug a heavy backpack and walk to all of your classes, it’s unlikely that you’re in your best shape. Sitting in classes, studying and relaxing with friends weakens muscles in your back, hips and legs. Carrying a backpack and typing papers over-tightens neck, shoulder and arm muscles and causes repetitive stress injuries. To counteract these problems, follow a daily exercise plan that includes breathing, stretching, weight, resistance and cardiovascular exercises designed to keep your body physically fit.

Talk to a Professional

If you want to learn more about freshman health or you’re pursuing a career that deals with this or a related area, seek out a professional who has an offline or online masters in health informatics. A professional can help you create a plan catered to your lifestyle and body shape that will help you maintain a healthy college career.

It’s easy to believe that you can break these habits once you leave college. Why waste time trying later when you can stop them today from ever becoming a part of your life? Not only will you have more energy for your studies, but you’ll feel better too!

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.