By Christina Bivona, News Staff

1. Cut the crap
Eating properly can sometimes be a challenge, especially in dining halls. But, if you make the choice to cut out the junk food you will have more energy and become fitter. Focus on eating foods with less sugar and total fat. Also choose foods that are lean and rich in protein and vitamins.

2. Drink lots of water
Skip the soda next time at lunch. To fuel, hydrate and flush out your body so it can function properly, you should drink up to eight glasses of water a day.

3. Take your vitamins
Your mother and doctor aren’t just telling you to do this for nothing. Taking a daily vitamin helps balance out your bodily needs on a daily basis and even vitamins and minerals you are deficient in. There are even forms of chewy vitamins for adults if you still consider yourself a kid.

4. Exercise daily
It doesn’t matter if you go to the gym or go for a run or a long walk through the city, getting the proper amount of exercise helps students to get their bodies back in shape. Whether it’s 30 minutes or two hours, any amount of excise is a good break for your mind and a healthy choice for your heart.

5. Set goals
The easiest way to lose weight, get stronger or become a better student is to set a standard for yourself. By setting goals, you are challenging yourself to be better.

6. Stretch
This is a step that many students often forget. Stretching is extremely important in your body’s recovery process. Whether it’s before a workout to warm up or after to ease your muscles, stretching significantly helps you prevent injury and conquer your next goal.

7. Fuel your body
Not only should you eat right, but pack up on foods that will help you succeed while working out and afterwards during recovery. Foods that contain carbs are great for fueling your body during a workout, while other foods rich in protein are great for after the gym.

8. Get more sleep
Although a difficult task for many college students, this is an extremely important step for your body to fully recover. Not only does it help you stay awake during your classes, but getting eight to 10 hours of sleep a night helps your body to grow and your mind to stay focused.

9. Don’t procrastinate
Instead of leaving something for later, do it now. Procrastination only causes stress in the end, so staying on top of your work, being assertive and taking control will help you to stay on top of your schedule and in return give you less stress.

10. Do something you enjoy
Everyone needs some down time, whether it’s reading a book, playing some video games or just hanging out with friends. Having fun throughout your day and doing something that brings you joy will make it easier to get through those gloomy days and always gives you something to look forward to.