#HOWTO: Work out the mind, body, and spirit

Going into college people always warn you about the Freshman 15, and if we're being honest, weight gain is not just for freshman year. It could be the sophomore, junior, senior, and super senior 15. Many believe it's just a misconception because there are a ton of resources on college campuses: gyms, healthy food options, and club sports. Although this is true, many people still fall victim to this plague. And I'm here to argue that the F15 may not only be for the physical body, but for the mind and spirit as well.

With that being said, this installment of the #HOWTO series will give 6 tips on keep the mind, body, and spirit in shape; whether you're in college or not.

THE MIND: IT'S NO SECRET THAT OUR MINDS CAN BE FILLED WITH TOO MANY THOUGHTS, PLANS, TO-DOS, AND WORRIES. WITHOUT A WAY TO COMBAT THE WEIGHT OF THESE THINGS, MENTAL BURN-OUT IS IMMINENT.

#1. BUY A PLANNER: This is a challenging work out for people who like to think they can remember everything they have to do; until they forget they had a meeting at 4PM or homework due at 11:59PM. Using a planner allows your to transfer and organize all the information in your mind onto paper, so your mind is clear and well-balanced.

#2. 5 BY 5 RULE: *This is not mine. The 5 by 5 rule states, "If it's not gonna matter in 5 years, don't spend more than 5 minutes upset about it." How dope is that? This is a sure remedy to unnecessary stress and worries.

THE BODY: THIS IS THE ONE EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE UNHAPPY WITH - AND YET NOTHING CHANGES

#1. EATING HABITS: What are you putting into your body everyday? How are we supposed to run away from the F15 if we're given it a head start by our poor food choices? No one is saying go vegan or vegetarian (bless y'all though), but it wouldn't hurt to start drinking more water, and eating more fruits and veggies.

#2. EXERCISE: Staying active is the second step to this working-out-the-body spiel. If your campus/community has a gym, go to it. If you have access to fitness classes, attend a few. Take walks outside of going to classes everyday. Dance, stretch, skip; hey, flop around for all I care. JUST DO SOMETHING! Challenge yourself to do more than just go to class, do homework, and sit around all day.

THE SPIRIT: THE SPIRIT IS NEGLECTED THE MOST DURING OUR DAY TO DAY LIVES - LEAVING IT THE MOST OUT OF SHAPE.

#1. PRAYER/QUIET TIME: This could be at the library, in your room, on the lawn, or a cafe. It all depends on your ability to concentrate on... nothing. Focus on your breathing and listening to what your spirit needs. Taking the time to pray (verbally or in a journal), and engage in a quiet time daily will leave you with a peaceful and comforted spirit.

#2. MUSIC: This just in: Music affects your spirit! Whether you acknowledge it or not, it does. So, be mindful of what you're are feeding it. If you're always listening to sad songs or songs that make you want to fight... you can't be confused as to why you're always thinking about how everything went wrong with your crush or why you went off on the person who bumped you walking to class. Let's challenge our spirits by changing the music we listen to.

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This blogpost was inspired by me being out of shape during a total body fitness class last Tuesday night. I'm still a little sore, but I know that laziness mixed inconsistency produces absolutely nothing. We can wish and plan all we want, but if we never do it, then what are we really doing? Working out takes time, patience, and determination. The pain, in whatever capacity it might be, is inevitable, but the results will be worth it. I hope you're along for the ride to a healthy mind, body, and spirit!

Peace +GLOW Always,

"Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body

as you are strong in spirit."

-3 John 1:2 NLT

#lifehacks #health #exercise