College … it’s that first big step into the world on your own. And it can be somewhat daunting when you have the weight of a chronic illness on your plate in addition to classes, a new campus community, and the general chaos of collegiate life. I wish I could say I nailed it my freshman year. But let’s be honest – taking things into your own hands without the support of home is tricky…
Now that I’m a rising senior with Crohn’s, here are some tips I wish I had known my freshman year for living a full life with grace, poise, and health during the college years.
1 – Reduce Stress with a Skeleton Schedule
Having a simple framework for your day helps you keep healthy habits and allows for last minute bumps in your schedule. Not sure where to start? Write down a basic daily routine (Morning, Afternoon, Night) and stick it to the wall. Decide when you (ideally) want to go to bed at night and get up in the morning. And be sure to get at least eight hours of sleep.
Remember to give yourself time to chill with friends. Spend Friday nights staying up until the wee hours of the morning if you want to. It’s important to have a schedule, but this is college. You’ve got to live a little. Or stay up all night writing a paper. Same difference! Balance is key. Who says you can’t get good grades, enough sleep, and a social life?
2 – Sunshine and Fresh Air
It’s easy to find yourself stuck in the classroom all day and the library all night. But you’ll work better and faster if you take breaks at least once every hour. Get outside and breathe the fresh air. Even better – grab a friend that needs a break too.
Many colleges supply free or discounted gym membership for students. Get down there for at least 30 minutes a week, especially when you’re super busy. Trust me. It will leave you with less stress, better focus, and a positive outlook.
3 – Food Woes at the Caf?
The hardest thing for me freshman year was facing the college junk food that surrounded me. Nearly every dorm room lives on Ramen noodles, popcorn, chocolate, and hot cocoa – it’s the American way. And at first glance, the cafeteria wasn’t much better. They served pizza, pasta, soda, and an unlimited supply of ice cream.
As I got to understand the kitchen better, more options began to unfold: salad bar, veggies, chicken, tuna fish, beans, and fruit. The key is to identify the foods you can eat and then find creative ways to put them together that are both delicious and artistic. It’s a challenge—a puzzle. Oh! And those soda fountains? Most of them have a fizzy water spout! Just add juice for a cold, sweet, totally healthy treat.
The bottom line: take your crazy health diet as a challenge and be resourceful. And carry a can of emergency tuna in your backpack. Just in case.
4 – Don’t forget to stay hydrated!
Invest in a good water bottle. Fill it up and put it on your desk where you can see it during every class. Drink the whole thing before each class lets out. And keep a mason quart jar on your desk. Fill it up in the morning and drink it up by the evening. Need some extra flavor? Lemon juice and stevia make an amazingly refreshing treat. Rinse, refill, repeat. 😉
5 – Develop a bedtime routine
Even if you can’t seem to get to bed at the same time every night, plan out a routine that takes 15 minutes or less to destress and relax after a long day. Set your alarm and put away your phone/other electronics.
Make some tea. I highly recommend Sleep by Bigelow Benefits. It tastes good without any sweetener (bonus: you don’t have to brush your teeth a second time). It soothes and calms me down. Sip it slowly.
Meditate, write in a diary, read some poetry—anything to get your thoughts out of the insanity of the day and into sleep mode.
Use some essential oils like Eden’s Garden Anxiety Ease or another favorite calming scent. Breathe deeply. Whatever happened today is over. Tomorrow is going to be fantastic. And so are you.