In College it is easy to forget about leading a healthy lifestyle while juggling classes, extracurricular activities, and possibly a job. I myself am guilty of skipping weeks of working out, picking up unhealthy food on my way to class or work, and getting fewer than 8 hours of sleep a few days in a row. The result? I feel sluggish, cannot concentrate as well in class, and do not accomplish as much in a day. But when I take the time out to care for my body, I feel happier, have more energy, and am more productive with my day. Staying healthy is always easier said than done. Below are some ways I have personally tried and found to be helpful for my overall wellbeing:
I always try to spend more time walking during the day. Whether this means taking the long way to class or walking up stairs instead of riding the elevator, it is a sneaky way to get more exercise and only takes a few extra minutes at a time. If I am not feeling extra motivated to go to the gym, at least I will have burned a few extra calories from walking. Also, spending more time outside (with good weather of course!) makes me personally happier and greatly reduces my stress. Luckily for people like me, the lovely Audubon Park is right across from Loyola and has a 1.8 mile track for walking, running, biking, etc.
New Orleans is notorious for its delicious but oftentimes unhealthy food (Poboys? Beignets? King cake??), so it’s sometimes…..okay, well usually really hard for me to choose a salad over something greasy or sugary. I know I have no will power to completely cut out those foods, so I allow myself one cheat day a week where I can eat anything I want. I usually save it for the weekend so that I can reward myself for a productive and healthy week. Every other day, however, I stay away from candy bars and fried or greasy food and instead eat a lot of fruit and protein bars to ease my unhealthy cravings. It really helps that the C-Store in the Danna Center has some of my healthy favorites such as Greek yogurt, strawberry cups, and tuna salad.
The most important health factor for me, however, is sleep. I can always feel when I get fewer than 8 hours of sleep. I try to compensate for my lack of sleep with calorie-packed lattes and chocolate espresso beans, I’m too tired to work out, and I don’t feel like doing anything that involves me opening my eyes…which is pretty much anything. But with a good night of sleep I am overall a happier person and want to be more active. This gives me the energy I need to be involved around campus, be efficient at work, and make better grades.
Overall health is a cycle. Take care of yourself to take care of others!
