Now with so much time on our hand’s many people are using it to get a headstart on their “summer body.” The season of swimming, shorts, and hanging out with friends (hopefully) is approaching just under a month away. For many, this means trying to get that summer body. Everybody is perfect in their own way, and all appearances are summer-ready.

Nobody should feel pressured to alter their appearance for the upcoming season. But for some, they enjoy the grind, and now is the perfect opportunity to do so! Here are some ways to work towards your “body goals” that I do personally, or have acquired from other students.

First, DRINK WATER! When having fitness goals in mind, many people overlook the necessity of drinking water. It keeps you hydrated, your skin clear, and can aid in weight loss if that’s something you are looking to do. One way to make sure you’re getting all that H2O is to set goals for yourself. Fill up a large bottle of the water and try to finish it halfway through the day. Then fill it up again and try to finish it before you go to bed. Drinking water is very overlooked and is guaranteed to make you feel better.

Secondly, try and slowly adopt healthier eating habits. This doesn’t mean insane dieting, or not eating at all UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. Just be aware of what you are putting into your body. Balance is key to a healthy diet. Trying to cut out all carbs or all sugars may leave you feeling tired or sluggish. As long as you have a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and protein, you’re set.

Try being aware of what you are snacking on throughout the day as well. Eat when you are hungry, not when you are bored. Processed foods are okay but try going for a lower fat version, or balance the healthy and unhealthy snacks throughout the day. And it is always okay to have a cheat day or two!

Don’t beat yourself up over that bowl of ice cream or that piece of chocolate cake. Another suggestion is to try and stop late-night snacking. If you usually go to bed around midnight, try and stop eating by 9 pm. Set a goal for yourself, make sure you are eating healthy, plentiful meals throughout the day, be aware of your snacking, and try and stop eating when you’re bored or late at night. But most importantly, listen to your body. If you are hungry, eat, if you are thirsty, drink water.

And finally, exercise. Although gyms are not open and sports are not in session there are many good alternatives for exercise that can be done at home! Go for a run, try and run a mile and walk a mile if it’s not something you usually do. Push yourself, but not too hard. Or if running is something you really hate, a walk is just as beneficial. Go outside, get some fresh air, and get moving. Another good way of working out is youtube videos.

There are tons of different workout videos for different things, high-intensity interval training, cardio, core workouts, lower body workouts, and arm workouts. They are easily accessible, not hard to do, and don’t require very much space or any equipment. Make sure you’re combining your workouts, cardio, and targeted muscle strengthening. Just doing one ab workout video might not do the trick. They are fun, easy, and can help you get a good sweat going.

These are just some of the things that I, along with fellow peers, have been doing to stay in shape, work towards our fitness goals, and achieve those summer body! Set goals for yourself, drink water, be aware of your diet, and exercise frequently and you are set. But most importantly, listen to your body. Do not do anything you don’t feel good doing, and do not adopt unhealthy or unsafe habits. Everyone’s body is perfect.