Dear College Freshman Self,

I am so excited for the journey that you are about to embark on. You will meet the man who will later become your husband. And you will form some of the strongest bonds of friendship of your life. But girl, let’s talk about your health habits... or lack thereof.

First and foremost, put down the Diet Mountain Dew and drink some water! I realize you have convinced yourself that you are tired because you need caffeine in the morning, but the fact is the matter is that you are very rarely putting pure H2O into your body. So, purchase a water bottle and drink up!

I know you feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day and you’re right, you are busy. But taking 15 minutes extra to make a meal that isn’t frozen or microwaved will make you feel so much better in the long run. Besides, you will become a mom later in life and if you can make a home cooked meal then you can certainly make it now.

In the short term studying until 3am sounds like a good idea, you are maxing your study time before the exam. But really, what are you going to remember from that in 4 years when you actually need that information? Keep studying hard but don’t stay up to do it. Try to make sleep more of a priority. Besides nothing good happens after midnight anyway.

Keep going to the gym even if your biggest motivating factor is to watch the wrestling team workout shirtless. Regular exercise is a habit that you will carry through all stages of life so keep it up!

I know that you want to do well in school. You are a perfectionist at heart and that will not change. So, keep striving to do your best. Put in the work, continue to study but try and enjoy the journey along the way. You put so much pressure on yourself that you are not always able to see the joy in it. I

In short, take better care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. Keep working hard but don’t lose sight of what is important. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You have an amazing journey ahead of you so enjoy this time in your life when your responsibilities are less, your best friends are your roommates and your primary purpose is to grow in knowledge.

Love,

Your Future (& Wiser) Self