Healthy Habits for College Students (Part 2)

Welcome back. Let's pick up our conversation on healthy habits at our favorite coffee shop. Do you need a refill? I shared last time the importance of listening more than you speak, having healthy fun, exercising regularly, keeping your moral boundaries in tact and avoiding drugs of all types. Let's continue with a few more habits to develop as you live in the college envoirment.

Grab your drink, let's get a chair and keep going in conversation.
Sixth, it might be hard to imagine, but some college students study, sit around in their dorm rooms, apartments or at home much of the time. Get connected on campus. Find a local church to join. Serve in a variety of places. There are so many extracurricular activities in which to get involved in college. The buffet of options is endless. Do them. Warning: Some go overboard; keep a healthy balance between studies and playing in college.

Seventh, eating is a priority. If you stop eating, you will die 100 percent of the time; but what you eat is a whole other thing. In high school, if it was in the pantry or refrigerator, you might have eaten it; but it was your mom who stocked those shelves, not you. College cafeterias and dorm refrigerators are something of a different nature. You make the choices about what you buy and eat. Eat healthy stuff, and stop when you are full. This is always a good rule in college.

Would you like a big cookie with your drink?
Eighth, college comes with lots of planning and organization. You have reports, quizzes, research papers, final exams and team study projects to accomplish. It is so easy to put things off. Do not procrastinate or it will hurt later. Many high school students never have learned how to study, and they think they can catch up like they did in high school. This is not true. College curriculum is another animal. If you are already in college, you understand. It is like you are stepping onto an already moving exercise treadmill. Get ready, or you will fall hard and get hurt. Plan ahead, and stay with it. Color-coated writing on calendars are a good thing.

Ninth, driving off to college offers another challenge. It is what you have longed for yet can be difficult to manage. This newfound freedom is all yours. You have lots of it now. Be sure to set your boundaries, and stick to them. Manage your time wisely, and it will pay off later. Keep your reputation and relationship with Jesus high making wise decisions according to His will for your life. Use this as a guiding principle with this freedom.

Well, it is getting late and I need to head out. Here is one last habit to form.
Finally, so many college students remember to pack their belongings but forget to take Jesus with them into college. God loved you so much that He sent baby Jesus to earth to grow up, perform miracles and give life-altering teaching. He willfully died on a cross so we could have a relationship with Him--abundantly today and forever. His grace is amazing. He is worth having by your side in your dorm room, in the classroom, in the professor's office, in your car, at activities and every step of the way throughout these exciting college days. Enjoy the ride. Be wise. Take Jesus with you. You will not regret it. 

Thanks for the conversation and coffee. Let's do it again soon.