by Rachel Stockton

Created on: September 13, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2009

It's kind of ironic, but the age at which young adults are the least likely to realize the importance of taking care of their health is also the time they are most likely to be enrolled in an institution of higher learning. Study time interferes with parties, dating and football; all events that can "interfere" with good health and productive study habits.

Yet paying attention to some fundamental health concepts can help achieve our higher ed goals. And, while you may not be in training for a physical marathon, you ARE in training for an education marathon. For at least four years, you are going to be committed to your long term education and career goals. This is going to take stamina, self-discipline, and consistency. Here are some ways you can improve your chances of not only doing well in college, but of actually enjoying the process as well.

1. Commit to an exercise program. The human body was designed to move. If you're only going to implement one of the suggestions in this article, make it this one. There are several reasons why exercise is crucial. First of all, the "freshman fifteen" isn't just a myth; it's an actual phenomenon. Why? Simply because college freshmen have the tendency to eat what they want when they want, with no thought about weight gain. And weight gain can be distracting, not to mention, disconcerting to morale.

Secondly, your brain will perform better if you exercise your body; exercise actually causes chemical change. Dopamine, which helps you focus and retain information, is released after a vigorous workout. Lack of dopamine has been tied to ADD and other "thinking" difficulties. Go for a run or vigorous walk before you study, and notice the difference in how efficient your study time is.

2. Eat protein packed food. Foods rich in protein (and conversely low in fat) will help you think clearly by keeping your blood sugar regulated. Processed carbs will cloud your thinking, and will make you feel as if you're moving in a fog. Keep a bag of nuts in your backpack for times when you need a mental and physical lift; they have just the right proportion of fat and protein to keep your mental faculties sharp. Remember the Emerald nuts commercial? Robert Goulet may not be the reason for irritability, mistakes, and a lack of clear thinking, but low blood sugar most definitely is.

3. Somewhat related to making nourishing foods a priori is this: avoid junk as much as possible. Truly, you are what you eat. Your brain will not operate at peak efficiency

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