Don't Neglect Your Body
as You Develop Your Mind
Establish
Life-Long Habits at a Young Age
-- By Dave Heilmann
For college and high
school students, fall brings a lot of activity. Between
fun stuff (like football games, parties, dances) and
much harder things (like midterms and research papers),
it may seem like there is not much time left to exercise
and eat right. It is not uncommon for students to let
their health slide. Before you know it, it's January
1 and you're trying to figure out how to lose 20 pounds
before going on Spring Break!
There is a better way
to do this. By establishing some simple, healthy nutrition
and fitness habits, you can avoid gaining weight and
even have more energy for school and everything else.
On the nutrition side, focus simply on making the right
choices. This can make all the difference.
For example:
Eating a good breakfast will give you energy well into
the day and will cut down on cravings later. For late-night
study snacks, try fruit or nuts instead of pizza or
potato chips. By preparing ahead of time, you’re less
likely to resort to unhealthy fast food when you’re
in a pinch, and the healthier foods you eat will stabilize
your energy levels throughout the day (and night). Drink
plenty of water. Water helps your body remove waste
and even helps you lose weight by metabolizing fat.
It also helps reduce hunger. Try to keep a water bottle
with you all day and drink that in class instead of
high-calorie drinks like soda.
It can be hard to find
time for fitness. Some options include:
Use your school’s facilities with a friend. Most schools
now have comprehensive fitness centers, so you might
as well take advantage of them while they’re free (or
close to it). Finding someone to go with will make you
accountable so you’ll be more likely to keep going.
Also, the gym can be a great place to meet new people.
Walk as much as you can. If you're on your way to lunch
or class and have the time, walk instead of driving.
Even if you’re running late, increase your speed. Not
only will you make it to class on time, you’ll also
be getting aerobic benefit.
Take breaks from studying
to do some quick exercises for refreshment. Jumping
jacks, crunches, push-ups, lunges, climbing stairs,
or walking around the building can all be done in just
a few minutes. Exercise breaks will also make your mind
more alert and your studying more effective.
Play a sport. You don't have to be part of the school's
team. Anyone can play pick-up games or participate in
intramurals or club sports.
Remember, don't get
down on yourself if you miss a week of exercising or
need to eat pizza a few nights in a row. School may
be a stressful time, but it can also be the best time
of your life—and one of your healthiest. Just try to
remember the good habits presented here and other ones
you learn along the way.
As you practice them more, you’ll be more consistent.
Plus you’ll have plenty of energy and reduce the stress
that comes with school. High school and college are
times when healthy habits are made, so put forth the
effort now and reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle
for the rest of your life.
