College students— how do you take care of yourself?

Question

I’m a junior premedical student in college and I’ve noticed that with all of my stresses and engagements I usually don’t take care of myself. I have 1 or 2 meals a day, lots of coffee (even when it’s actually bad for my cardiac condition) and no water. The only thing I really do for myself is my skincare routine, which just consists of acne medication morning and night. I don’t really have time to sit down and play video games or watch TV, though sometimes while I’m having a meal I’ll watch a couple of minutes of Netflix 😅. 
I was wondering what you ladies do for self care & love! I need some ideas for things to do with my busy schedule. I would love to go to the gym or do exercises to help with anxiety, but I don’t know where to start or if I’ll even have the time to commit. Help!! 🤣

Answer

During law school I made it a point to go to the gym everyday for lunch for 45 minutes. That also allowed me to have proper hygiene lol because study sessions often go late into the evening it’s the only time to shower. Meal prepping helps with keeping your meals healthy/frequent. I carry a refillable water bottle to make sure I at least fill it up 3 times. Drinking through a a straw is an easier way to make sure I drink water because it’s hands free. During school though there was no time for tv or friends so I can’t share any advice there.

Answer

Try to multi-task with your time when possible. While you're stuck in the car commuting to class, listen to a good audio book or your favorite podcast. If you don't have enough time to hit the gym, take a slightly longer way to class and try to walk at a brisk pace. Maybe you don't have time for social interactions with friends, but perhaps you can organize a study party with classmates to do homework or prep for the next exam together. Until we invent time travel there's no way to add more hours to your day, so all we can do is add more meaning to the hours we do have. Best of luck to you!

Answer

Everyone else has really good suggestions. On the water note, I started bringing a refillable water bottle to my classes, and i would take a drink every time a teacher switched slides on a PowerPoint, or whenever I started to get bored. It refocused me, and it also made it a habit to drink water when I was bored. I got to the point where I would drink 40 ounces in a 45 minute lecture! Needed to pee a ton, but at least I wasnt dehydrated for once in my life haha

Answer

I’m currently tripling majors, along with balancing an organization outside of school. It is a challenge. I have health problems, as well. My schedule is hectic nonstop, but I manage everything by completing assignments during class hours or after a certain time at home. In between those hours, I take time to rest or handle business. It may seem implausible, but hey. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Answer

I was premed too so I understand the course load. Try to drink water before you eat, make time for food (meal prepping helps & carry some healthy snacks with you), switch from coffee to green tea and/or chai tea. When you’re studying take breaks every 30 mins or so and do 3 sets of 8 of whatever body part you want to work out that day, then end your study/workout session with abs.

College students— how do you take care of yourself?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey