As an intern for Dormify, I will be sharing some of the blog posts I write for their site:

Why Can't I Get Myself to the Gym?

Seriously. I always say I’m going to go and I have a membership…so why can’t I get myself to go? I always feel like I need to be “in the mood” in order to go. If I’m not, I’m going to get there and have no motivation to do anything. I guess I would prefer taking a class, but it always seems like I can never make the time schedule or I don’t feel like going at that time. Where is all my energy—why am I always tired?

I know one reason: I am on an anti-depressant for anxiety, which certainly has a side effect of tiredness. But I’ve been told I can increase my energy level if I start working out. But as I said, it’s hard for me to get to the gym in the first place. I’ve been trying to find things to do/eat that will increase my energy level because I hate always being tired. It seems like that was all I ever was in college, tired, aside from when I was going out and getting ready to go out. Those were the best times—getting ready with your friends. It’s the excitement of what the night is going to bring! I wish I could feel that everyday but it’s certainly hard when I was waking up early for classes and sitting through boring lectures.

One way I get my energy is through coffee. I’m obsessed with coffee. I’m not a huge fan of all the really sweet syrupy drinks—I’m more of a straight coffee with cream and sugar person. I like to get right to the point—and right to the caffeine. I could really drink coffee all day, and sometimes I do, although I realize too much of anything isn’t good (well except for shoes). So I started looking into other methods of boosting energy, without chugging those disgusting (and probably horrible for you) five-hour energy shots.

There is much truth to the “always eat breakfast” rule. When I skipped out or only had coffee, I found myself starving within an hour. Ever since I started to eat something in the morning, I have been able to last longer till lunch. It really made me more awake too. My favorite is oatmeal. I love a big bowl with brown sugar, almonds/walnuts (nuts have energy) and whatever fruit I have laying around. If I have it, I’ll also add in flax seeds or granola. To top it off, I put Silk Vanilla on top and mix it all together. Not that I’m lactose intolerant, but I just love the taste of Silk Vanilla and I have completely cut out regular milk because of it. Seriously try it in your cereal. It’s weird at first because it’s a thicker consistency than milk but I promise it’s really, really good.

Quick power naps help—although for me these naps usually turn into a couple hours of napping, I like to call them “sleeps.” If you’re able to have a quick nap then by all means, do it! For me, I have to leave gaps of time open and sometimes I’m out for the night, depending on how tired I am. It’s very confusing when I wake up.

Drink more water! This really helped me immensely! It’s crazy how much this works—the only downfall is I have to run to the bathroom a lot but maybe I’ll build up a tolerance? I also read to drink less alcohol…no thanks.

Talking “a walk around the block” is said to increase your energy. Well, you all walk to classes every day so I think this covers that. Stretching, however, is something you can do in your dorm room. It increases the flow of energy throughout your body. This sometimes makes me sleepy though—I have to put on some pump-up music so I don’t get tired!

Another way to increase energy is to reduce stress! HA! I found this hilarious. You are in college and stress is guaranteed! So many papers, projects, exams, speeches, presentations, group meetings, sorority events, boyfriend problems, roommate issues—the list goes on! I need more energy so I can even attempt to deal with all this stuff. “Reduce stress.” Like this is so easy and can be done in the snap of a finger. BS. I can only think to try to add in more relaxation activities in your day (even though I know your already extremely busy). Whether you enjoy manicures, tanning, massages, reading, whatever, try to allow some time for you to un-wind.

Ah, well. That’s it for me. I hope I could lend you some of the advice I wish I had in college. This honestly all seems so obvious but sometimes it takes a little refresher to remind you of the little things. Don’t get too caught up in the drama and remember to take care of yourself. Most of all—have fun! These are truly the best years of your life. My mom always told me this but I always took it for granted—I would do anything to go back and re-live my college years.