This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

College is often referred to as the “best years of your life,” yet many students struggle to stay healthy during this time. It is no surprise that all of the late nights, increased stress levels, harmful habits, etc., all lead to students getting sick. After some research, I have put together a list of the best 7 daily habits for students to stay healthy and feel good during college.

The reason that college students struggle with illness is because they push their body’s without giving themself any recharge or self care. The top 7 tips for college students to stay healthy are; increasing whole foods in your diet, getting adequate sleep levels, remembering to combat dehydration, daily exercise, working towards your goals, making sure that you’re eating enough calories, and setting aside time for the things that bring you joy.

By taking care of your body during college, you can better enjoy what everyone refers to as the “best years of your life.”

It is also important to take care of your health during college because SO MANY people become sick during this time. A study done by The Ohio State University showed that college and university students can be at risk of higher rates of morbidity, disability, and mortality. Whether it be the simple cold & flue, fatigue, infections, or even a chronic illness, it is important to take care of your body.

In this article I break down the 7 EASIEST ways that college students can stay healthy. These simple daily routines are perfect for any age, but are specifically helpful for students to stay on their “A” game and avoid college sickness!

EASY DAILY ROUTINES TO STAY HEALTHY DURING COLLEGE 

1. Incorporate More Whole Foods Into Your Diet

The amount of increased energy and overall quality of life that you will experience by incorporating whole foods into your diet is unrivaled by almost anything else.

Adding whole foods into your daily meals is not hard, BY ANY MEANS. All it takes is making easy swaps, like eating whole fruit instead of drinking fruit juice, or using salsa instead of cream-based dips, etc.

Pro tip: The important thing to remember when it comes to eating healthier is to just do your best to eat more delicious and nutritious fruits and veggies. Not only will you look and feel healthier, but you will realize how good and satisfying these foods can taste!

What’s really exciting about living a healthy lifestyle is that you don’t really have to follow a diet, you just have to make sure that what you’re eating is nourishing your body, providing sustained energy, and bringing you enjoyment.

2. Prioritize Your Sleep – Aim For Seven to Nine Hours

Sleep is seriously underrated.

Sleep is when we recover and heal, yet most people are drastically sleep deprived. It is recommended to get 7-9 hours of sleep and to sleep in a dark room to increase your melatonin production.

I have learned the importance of getting quality sleep first hand. When I get busy and life throws multiple obstacles my way, the first thing I cut back on is my sleep. With late nights and early mornings, it feels normal to adjust your sleep time and get less sleep.

This mistake of not prioritizing my sleep really caught up to me FAST. Before I knew it, my immune system began to drop, along with my skin breaking out, increased level of fatigue, and not to mention the importance of sleep when dealing with a chronic illness or disease.

I now understand the importance of prioritizing my sleep, and making sure that it is quality, restful sleep. These two tips have helped me to maintain healthy levels of sleep, even during busy times.

– Take plenty of naps and listen to your body when you feel tired.
– Adjustment your bedtime in accordance with when you have to wake up.

By using these two methods I can consistently maintain 7-9 hours of healing sleep a day and avoid becoming sleep deprived.

3. Stay Hydrated!

Believe me, I understand the challenge to consume a healthy amount of water everyday. 8 cups? Everyday? It can feel like too much!

But I have seen a signifiant improvement in my energy levels and clarity when I am properly hydrated.

Pro tip: It is important to remember that when filtered water is available, it is preferred. But it is more important to stay hydrated than to be a water snob.

The easiest way that I have seen people consistently stay hydrated is by carrying a reusable water bottle. Not only is it trendy, but it will easily help you easily drink 8 glasses every day.

If you don’t already have a reusable water bottle, try out the trend and look into some of the options. I have tried out a lot of reusable bottles and cups, ranging from cheap-and-free, to expensive-and-durable. What I have found is that my personal favorite water bottle that I’ve used has been my Hydroflask.

Find one that you like and get hydrated, it is important!

4. Fit In a Workout – Even When You Don’t Have Time 

It can be sooooo difficult to make time for exercise, especially when life feels busy and overwhelming.

The important thing to remember is that exercise of any kind, even just a light walk or jog, can make you feel uplifted and energized!

Pro tip: It has been said by countless lifestyle experts that taking a brief walk first thing when you wake up in the morning, with the sunshine and fresh air, is one of the best ways to bring life to your body everyday.

It is no secret that exercise is extremely important and everyone should be making time for it. But this is much easier said than done.

By reminding yourself that even a 20-30 minute exercise routine or walk is better than nothing. You will thank yourself during your exercise and after.

Prioritize your health and work towards the goal of taking pride in your physical appearance and well-being!

5. Work Towards Your Goals – Set Aside 1 Hour Per Day

You’ve been told countless times how important it is to “invest in yourself” and it’s true because YOU ARE IMPORTANT.

Monetary investments into yourself are always good, but the best way to invest in yourself is by investing your TIME.

Pro tip: Everyday prioritize your values and goals, and set aside just 1 hour of dedicated effort of working towards your goals!

With just one hour a day you will be able to make strides towards accomplishing your goals. Examples of ways that you can spend this hour everyday include; making videos for your Youtube channel, learning how to begin investing, planning and posting on social media, etc. Whatever activity you choose to do, make sure it is something you enjoy and are passionate about.

Make sure you enjoy the activities you are doing, or else you will dread this hour everyday. This may end up with you losing motivation and quitting the goal.

Keep your goals in line with your vision for your life, and work towards something that you love. You will find that when you love what you are doing, you spend more time and are much easier able gain momentum and enter a state of “flow.”

6. Eat Enough Calories To Avoid Deficiencies and Fatigue

It is so easy as a college student to just EAT without thinking about what you are eating. This can be problematic because malnutrition and caloric deficits are so common, and these can happen when you aren’t getting enough calories and macronutrients.

Even people who are trying to eat healthy and transition into a healthy lifestyle can make the mistake of under-eating and forgetting about calories and macros! When this happens, you may begin to feel tired and fatigued.

The best way to avoid fatigue and malnutrition is to eat your daily recommended amount of calories for your age and size, and making sure that those calories consist mostly of nutrient dense whole foods.

Pro tip: The best way to ensure that you are meeting your caloric and nutritional needs is to track your calories. The best ways to do this is to use an app like Cronometer, a food journal, or just make mental estimates. Whatever method you prefer to use, it is a great habit to analyze your daily eating and make dietary choices based off your caloric and nutritional needs.

As long as you are eating enough calories and are focusing on whole foods, you will be able to thrive long-term. No protein deficiency. No fatigue. Only consistently high energy levels and clarity.

7. Set Aside Time Everyday For Your Favorite Things

To live a healthy life, you need to enjoy yourself and be in a positive mental state. That is why it is so important to set aside 30 minutes – 1 hour everyday to spend time on your favorite things. Whether that is to listen to music, go for a hike, watch a comedy that makes you laugh, or talk to a friend that you know will make you happy. By making time for these activities everyday you will create a much happier and more fulfilled healthy lifestyle.

During the time that you are doing what you love, you will feel full of joy and contentment. Take advantage of this feeling, and use it to fuel an “attitude of gratitude” for everything good you have in your life.

Too often we let life’s struggles wear us down. It can be easy to only focus on the struggle, and forget about everything else.

But it is important to remember all of life’s blessings. In ALL of our lives, there is good and bad things that happen. But we can all agree that every experience has a silver lining. Find that silver lining, and remember all the good that is in your life.

This “attitude of gratitude” will uplift your spirit and recreate the way you view your life. Not only does this strengthen your quality of life, but it also is beneficial for your health, and even makes you more charismatic. When you are doing what you love, happy with your life, and are in a positive mindset, other people tend to draw to you!

Well, that is it! I truly hope this post has been useful and that you will be able to get through college staying healthy and happy!

And if you struggle with college illness, remember that it is just part of your journey. Do your best to stay motivated and consistent with these healthy college lifestyle routines, and you’ll be able to make the most of the “best years of your life!”  😀