Hacks for staying healthy without spending a fortune.
Everything is more expensive nowadays. With groceries, gas and everything in between it seems more money leaves the bank account than enters.
It’s easy to stop using the gym just to save cash every month and cut corners on your grocery bill. However, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. There are many ways to stay active, eat your vegetables, and sleep right without going broke. It takes some creativity, but I’m here to help you get started.
The biggest problem is typically groceries. When shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, watch for sales at your regular grocery store, and buy what’s in season. These items tend to be cheaper and more fresh. Also, sign up for your grocery store rewards program. The Hornbacher’s app is free, and there is a Hornbacher’s store not too far from NDSU campus. Target also offers a rewards program.
Another hack is, if money is tight and you still want to eat fruit, purchase fruits with a peel (this includes citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes, as well as bananas). Fruits with a peel are cheaper, since they don’t have to be chilled during shipping, thus their shipping price is lower.
If fresh produce is still too expensive or if you’re worried about it going bad before you have a chance to eat it, frozen vegetables are the way to go. They are actually more nutrient-dense than fresh produce, since they are picked and frozen at peak ripeness, holding on to all their vitamins and minerals without spoiling.
Sleep is crucial to our wellbeing. Seven to nine hours of good sleep each night can boost your immune system, improve mental health, and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, just to name a few benefits.
Sleeping well can be hard–between homework, sports, a social life and every other pressing issue that builds up, the priority of sleep slips to the bottom of the list. Even with these struggles in mind, a good night’s rest is a cheap way to boost your health. Follow a nightly routine that can become familiar to your brain, triggering it to wind down and prepare to rest each night. Avoid phones and screens as much as possible up to an hour before falling asleep, as well as alcohol consumption.
Of course, exercise can be one of the hardest health standards to achieve. It’s time consuming, sometimes unpleasant and easy to skip over.
To start small, just walk. Take the long way to class, take a walk after meals, park at the back of the parking lot. It’s a simple task we do every day and can be one of the best ways to improve your physical and mental health.
As it is, North Dakota weather is not always cooperative with outdoor adventures. I suggest taking full advantage of the skywalks and tunnels on campus to keep moving. There are free indoor tracks scattered across town, like the Fargo Sports Complex and Fargo North High.
Also, the Wellness Center is free for students, meaning it’s already included in your tuition. They have everything you need for physical activity.
If you’ve never been to the gym before, they have something for everyone. From lap swimming to weight machines to group classes, I promise there’s something for you!
Keeping fit and healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. Find what works best for you, what gets you motivated, and make it happen.