While you are busy studying, perhaps for an online course like a masters in social work, you don’t always have the time to focus on your diet, or the money to join a gym. However, when you are busy and stressed, it is more important than ever to look after yourself. Getting into bad habits now could lead to long term health problems, weight gain and mental health issues in the future. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to look after yourself while you are studying.
Sleep
While you are sleeping, your body is busy. It’s recovering from the day, reenergizing, and healing in any way it needs. This is also true of your mind. Without sleep, you’ll soon lose your focus, become excessively tired, and be more prone to illness. Most of us need between six and nine hours a night, so make sure you get it.
Eat Smaller Portions
Instead of calorie counting obsessively, or denying yourself meals you love, eat smaller portions. A huge number of people eat much larger meals than they really need. Weigh things like pasta and rice if you often over cook. Vegetables should be the biggest part of any meal.
Get Your Five a Day
It can seem difficult to fit five portions of fruit and veg into your day, but it doesn’t have to be. One way to get a head start is by adding a handful of fresh berries to your porridge for breakfast. Have a glass of fresh juice, too. For dinner, try and add vegetables where you can. Spaghetti bolognaise for example, if you make it from scratch, you can easily add peppers, mushrooms and onion. Add a few fruity snacks here and there and it’s easy. Eating your five a day will help you maintain a healthy weight, fight off illnesses, have more energy, and generally feel better.
Drink Water
Your body contains huge amounts of water, so needs to stay hydrated to function at its best. Aim for eight glasses a day. Remember, while pure water is best, juices and hot drinks also count. Just stay away from fizzy, high sugar drinks.
Exercise
You should aim to get three 30-minute cardio workouts a week, as well as some strength training. Running is a great exercise for students, as you only need shoes and can run straight out of your front door. Home workouts, using YouTube videos are a brilliant alternative.
Be More Active
Adding little bits of activity to your day can make a massive difference to your fitness levels. Walk places instead of using public transport. Use the bathroom furthest away at school. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, and do a few simple stretches when you get out of bed in the morning. Consider an activity tracker, like a Fitbit, to help you do more.
While studying can be stressful, it’s also very worthwhile. If you are studying a social work degree, you may one day be helping veterans, or children, to have better lives.
You can’t do this if you don’t take good care of yourself now.