With a new year comes many new promises: study more, try new things and of course, live healthier. There are many easy ways to keep up a resolution to stay healthy and fit in 2012, however, even throughout the doldrums of winter.

1. Sleeping

For college students with a hectic schedule, it can be difficult to maintain a regular sleeping pattern. Rest time is one of the most important parts of your day, however, giving your body time to recuperate and be ready to take on all of the next day's tasks. Adequate sleep is integral to memory and awareness, a healthy immune system and even contributes to weight loss. The National Sleep Foundation points out that while there is no universal "magic number" of sleep hours, they find that most young adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep to function at their highest capacity.

Stress and overwork are common factors contributing to inadequate rest, but there are ways to help yourself get a good night's sleep. Try to develop a regular pattern of sleep and avoid napping during the day. A few hours before you want to sleep, shut down your computer and read a book instead. This is a better way to unwind from the day. Get regular exercise, but at least three hours before bedtime. Drink a cup of decaffeinated tea to relax if you are not feeling sleepy. Even though it may feel the opposite, alcohol actually inhibits REM sleep (the most critical portion of the sleep cycle), so don't imbibe on nights when you need important rest.

2. Exercise

Cold winter weather can be a great excuse to avoid exertion, but regular exercise is a critical factor in maintaining health, even beyond weight control. Exercise has been shown to prevent disease, increase endorphins to lift your mood and reduce stress. Even just a half-hour of exercise a few times a week has been shown to have a significant impact on one's health.

There are many easy ways to stay active at Fordham and throughout the City. The Lombardi fitness center has a mix of weight and cardio machines, as well as a pool for open use, and now offers free magazines to read while you work out. It can get crowded at peak times, but is a good resource for on-campus students.

If the fitness center isn't your thing, and you don't want to shell out for an expensive gym membership, try an alternative. For a free workout, Yoga To The People (yogatothepeople.com) is a professional, but donation-based ($5 - $10) studio in St. Mark's Place offering power vinyasa to get a sweat going. They cater to all experience levels with a mantra of "All Bodies Rise," and offer candlelight sessions on Sunday nights.

If group activities aren't for you, there are also a variety of phone apps and podcasts that offer free workout tapes for in-room exercise instead. Websites like parkpeople.com offer group support towards weight loss and fitness goals.

3. Eating Right

There is no easier way to increase your health than with small changes to your eating habits, even if you're on a plan at the caf for every meal. While it can be easy to go with a never-fail slice of pizza or fries, many delicious options are just as easy. Start by choosing smaller plates and bowls for your food, as this has been shown to prevent overeating. If you're going for sushi, choose avocados, as they are full of heart-healthy fat. The caf also offers sweet potatoes throughout the week at the pasta station, which are less starchy than their white potato brothers and are full of vitamins A and C. Skip the carb-heavy bagels and have protein-filled eggs instead, which will keep you full for longer.

 Try skim milk on your cereal. Try a mixed green salad instead of iceberg lettuce, which is mostly water.  Swap creamy ranch, which is full of fat and calories, for a lighter dressing like balsamic instead.

If you're cooking, don't be afraid to try new foods this year like quinoa or kale, two "superfoods" full of nutrients, and opt for antioxidant-rich green tea or red wine. Wild salmon is a low-calorie dinner choice full of Omega-3's. Opt for organic produce if possible, which can be found without breaking the bank. Put skim milk in your Starbucks latte, or try brown rice or a salad at Chipotle instead of a burrito.

Eat This, Not That is a great online resource for the best of fast-food choices.

With just a few small changes, you can continue on your way to making 2012 your healthiest year yet.