by Joan Inong

Created on: September 21, 2008

As a current college student, I learned the hard way that maintaining the health of my body helps maintain the health of my mind. I had forgotten briefly that the two were connected until I slowly began to realize that my poor eating habits were leading to lethargy, sleepiness and laziness, and even a loss of interest in hobbies and friends. I knew that something had to be done.

Fortunately, I was able to get myself out of the habit of "eating like a college student" and instead eating like a healthy adult who had priorities. I knew, however, that my priorities could not get in the way of my health. I was also lucky enough not to need help; I had realized my circumstance well before I was on the brink of depression.

First of all, I had to find the right foods to eat at the right time. Because I was solely responsible for my meal structure now, I was totally in control of what I could eat and when I could eat. That meant that I could not eat ice cream at midnight anymore. I could not skip meals just because I had to study or because I was too lazy to make myself something. I could not pass up on the chance of exercise, because as a college student, exercise could be non-existent. As I slowly realized these things, I began to make a mental list of what I had to change.

My meal structure was the first one to change. I was usually eating about two or three big meals per day, and I felt that I was gaining weight and becoming more and more lazy. I did not want to do anything after I got to my room from class; all I wanted to do was sleep, study, then go to bed. So, I started to have five small meals that were made up of better things: I had a good, light breakfast, just enough to start me off for the day. A couple of hours later, I had a snack (which was usually a fruit). At noon or at 1 o'clock, I had my lunch, which was usually a sandwich or soup and salad, etc. I had another fruit a few hours later. By the time I got back to my room, I had either already gotten my supper or was bringing it home. I would usually eat just half and save the rest for later if I was hungry, or for the next day. Suddenly, even after just changing this one aspect of my health habits, I noticed a considerable improvement in my study habits. No longer did I feel hungry while I studied; I was studying for longer because I didn't have to think about my stomach.

Then, I had to find a way to exercise. My dormitory is eight floors high, so sometimes (maybe five or six times a week) I choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator. If I happen to leave my building a little earlier than usual, I walk to campus instead of taking the bus. In my room, I put music on while I do aerobics, stretches, etc. I do all of this at least three times a week, and it puts me in a happier mood. As a result, my studying habits are better because my mind is completely focused on what I'm doing.

So, these two simple changes were like lifesavers that allowed me to enjoy myself but be able to study at the same time. If you're a struggling college student who needs to know how to study, try to make these changes first. They could be the key to better study habits.

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