college life – The Ginger Introvert

Hello everyone!

Staying healthy while in college can be such a challenge. I try my best to keep a balanced diet and a regular workout routine. However, with the work we all have it can be hard to stay healthy and stay afloat at the same time. In my three years at college, I’ve learned a couple tricks to keep myself on track, while keeping up with my schoolwork.

Schedule manageable workouts.

To do this, I use fitness apps to your advantage. I like to use Tone It Up’s app, but lately I’ve been using Kayla Itsine’s Sweat app. Both of these apps send me reminders on my phone, telling me to work out. These little pop-ups can be big motivators, and sometimes that’s all I need. A little nudge.

Also, these apps have workouts that aren’t too time-consuming. Usually they take thirty, maybe forty minutes of my time. Honestly, that’s probably the same amount of time I waste on Instagram a day. Probably even more! There are lots of great workouts on YouTube that are less than forty minutes, click here to see some of my recommendations!

Research your college’s meal options.

My college, and hopefully, most universities, list the nutrition facts of all of the food they make in a word document they have online. They also list the weekly menu in advance, so I can plan ahead. I look at both documents frequently to figure out what I plan on eating. This may seem a little extra, but as a vegetarian, I find it difficult to eat well on any given day without some planning.

I go to a small school so the offerings in the cafeteria aren’t too varied. So, if I don’t particularly like what I see on the menu, I try to bring some things with me to lunch as a supplement. For example, I’ll bring along a yogurt or wrap in my bag to eat and pair with the veggies they have on the menu. There’s also always the option to ask for a veggie burger to be thrown on the grill.

Stock up on healthy (dorm friendly) snacks.

I’m a fan or carrots and hummus. Nutritious, filling, and not much of a mini-fridge hog. Another favorite in my room is chips with guacamole. However, for a quick grab in the morning, I try to keep Kind and Nature Valley bars on hand.

Surround yourself with supportive (and like-minded) friends.

If your friends are health conscious and work out, it’ll be easy to keep a healthier lifestyle in college. It’s just that simple. If you’re the only one who goes to the gym in your friend group, it’s a lot harder to motivate yourself. However, if you have a few gym buddies, they can keep you accountable and make your workout fun!

Know your college’s fitness program.

Does your college have a gym? A track? A dance studio? Are there special fitness classes made available to you? Take advantage of any and all amenities you’re entitled to as a student enrolled at your college. Whether that means a Yoga class on campus or a discount at a local gym (if you don’t have one on campus, as well). Honestly, I try to take as many opportunities for free fitness offerings on campus I can. And thankfully, my college’s fitness programs have lots to offer. Do your research, ask around campus, and see what your options are!

//

I hope this was helpful in your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle on campus. If you have any tips or tricks you live by to be healthier, leave them in the comments below!

XOXO

Photo cred: Cyril Saulnier on Unsplash

Hello Everyone!

In the wise words of Hannah Montana (sorry guys, I had to go there) everybody has those days. And in midterm season with stressful assignments piling up all around me, sometimes every day feels like one of “those days.” When I feel stressed I like to pamper myself a little bit just to wind down at the end of the day. I find that if I take a few minutes at the very end of the day to relax, I sleep better. And, by extension, I feel a little less stressed the next day. Here are some of my favorite simple things I do just to shower a little self-love on myself 🙂

Smooth on a face mask.

If I’m trying to relax, I love the smell of mint or cucumber. So, I have a peel-off cucumber mask that I love. Or, lately, I’ve just been buying those single mud mask packets at Walmart or Target. The Say Yes To brand is one of my go-to favorites for all things skincare, and they don’t disappoint in the face mask department!

Paint your nails.

A simple and easy activity that I can do during a thirty-minute show (or a 15 minute Spongebob). Painting my nails has always calmed me down because of the monotony (and satisfaction) of the movement. I focus on what I’m doing when I paint my nails, and it clears my head. That, and the colors are always super satisfying to me. If you don’t like to paint your own nails, you can always splurge and go get them done with a buddy. Or ask said friend to do them for you — with the offer to return the favor, of course!

Watch a silly cartoon.

Out of any show on Netflix and Prime, Spongebob and other cartoons are guaranteed to make me laugh. So I love to relax with a short episode, preferably watched with my bestie or fiance. But really, watch any show you know you can lose yourself in. If I’m in the mood for a mystery, I love to watch Monk. This is another old favorite, and Tanner and I have been making our way through the series recently.

Have a little wine.

Everything in moderation, but once or twice a week I like to have a glass of Pink Moscato or White Merlot. My best friend Victoria also introduced me to the Straw-berita from Bud Light, and it’s the perfect sweet treat to pair with the Bachelor. It’s just the right amount, and it’s so good!

Combine all of these things into one evening!

If it’s the weekend, I may just do all of these to make for one really relaxing evening. Watching Bob’s Burgers with rose and freshly painted nails and a soothing face mask is possibly one of my favorite things to do. Especially if I’m cuddling with my fiance.

//

If you’ve been especially stressed lately, I get it. So take it out of gear, and do whatever it is you love to do to relax. Let me know what your favorite pampering session consists of in the comments below!