Prioritizing your health during the summer is important because it helps enhance every other part of your life. ORACLE PHOTO/DYLAN SABOL

Self-care, especially during college years, is incredibly important. 

Generation Z is the most physically active and health-focused generation since baby boomers, according to ABC Fitness. 

This is amazing to see because, in my opinion, staying healthy is the most important thing you can do to help yourself.

And with summer break starting up, making time for fitness is a great way to spend your free time. 

At USF, this increase in activity may look like taking jogs around campus or going to The FIT or the Recreation and Wellness Center. 

But don’t be discouraged if you’re off campus — jogging around your neighborhood, investing in a gym membership or just working out in your room are all great options. 

Now that I’m home for the summer, I’ve gotten a membership at a Planet Fitness close to my home, and have felt much better since I’ve started. 

Taking that first step can be the hardest part of developing a gym routine — but getting into it is the best thing that you could do for yourself.

Working out is choosing to invest in yourself, improve your current circumstances and build a foundation that will support you for the rest of your life. 

Related: OPINION: USF’s Recreation and Wellness Center needs more machines 

Consistent physical activity has a plethora of benefits for both physical and mental health, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Some short-term benefits you’ll find are improved cognition, reduced anxiety and reduced risk of depression, while long-term benefits include a reduced risk of heart problems, infectious diseases and even some cancers, according to the CDC. 

Working out also strengthens your bones and muscles, which increases your chances of living not only a longer, but a healthier life, according to the CDC. 

Angelo Cavalleri, a freshman exercise science and kinesiology major, said he makes working out a “non-negotiable” during exam season, as it helps clear and sharpen his mind for studying.

“It helped me to be able to complete 2 exams right before my USF-Powerlifting competition,” Cavalleri said. “And still win my age group, even when balancing exams with it.”

Cavalleri’s anecdote is a living example of how physical activity enhances performance across all aspects of your life.

Staying active is a great goal for the summer when you have more free time, and it benefits you during the regular school year once you stay consistent.

However, physical activity is just one piece of the puzzle of staying healthy as a college student.

Diet is also important when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle and developing better habits. What you put in your body dictates how well it runs, after all.

A healthy diet consists of a balance of vegetables, fruits, proteins and grains, according to Harvard’s School of Public Health.

If you live on campus this summer, USF’s dining halls offer all of these food options, with the Hub and the Juniper Dining Hall providing students with an accessible path to a healthy, balanced diet. 

I used to go to the Hub for a burger or other high-protein meal to help my muscles grow after working out on campus. 

At home, I make balanced and high-nutrition meals with ingredients I have, such as chicken and rice.

Related: OPINION: USF students are hungry for new dining options at Pinnacle Hall 

Outside of activity and diet, another important aspect of your health is having a proper sleep schedule.

Cavalleri said having a consistent sleep schedule is one of the most important things you can have as a student, as it helps with productivity alongside physical and mental recovery.

“This can make it easier to stay disciplined in academics, and still feel like you have enough energy to consistently exercise,” Cavalleri said.

I know I’m not the only one with an inconsistent sleep schedule during the school year, so the summer is the perfect time to get it back on track. 

All in all, there are plenty of ways for you to learn more about your health and start developing new habits to stay healthy as a student this summer. 

It only takes one step to start seeing changes so if you find yourself not doing enough of these things, do yourself a favor and get started.