By Ruchi Shah
Columnist
All college students can be categorized into one of two groups based on how they’ve spent their last weeks of summer: either they’ve been the outdoorsy type, spending the days lying on the beach; or the not so outdoorsy type, instead sprawling out on the couch in front of the TV. Regardless of which group you fall into, you’ve done summer “right” on your own terms. But it’s time to get back in the game. Here are a few tips to help you start off your semester on the right foot:
Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common problem for college students because they’re always on the go. Luckily, there’s a simple fix. I recommend purchasing a reusable water bottle with measurement markings. This way you can keep track of the amount of water you’re consuming in a day. The recommended daily water intake is 15 cups for men and 11 cups for women. So buy yourself a water bottle — you’ll be doing your body and the environment a favor.
Go for the greens. Eating a salad is a great way to cut your calorie intake and improve your health. Frequent complaints about salads are that they just aren’t filling. This issue can be resolved with variety. Add beans, such as chickpeas or kidney beans, hard-boiled eggs, pasta or grilled chicken, all of which are available in Eick’s salad bar. Remember though, moderation is key.
Physical activity is a must. There is, unfortunately, no substitute for a daily workout. On the bright side, the College has options to help you stay in shape. For nature lovers, there is a scenic 1.9 mile loop around campus. If you’re more inclined to engage interactive, themed workouts, then the TW Fitness Center is for you. Classes ranging from yoga to booty beat workout are offered and all are led by certified instructors. For the more traditional individuals, Packer Hall houses both the PEC (Personal Enhancement Center) and the aquatic center.
Make a schedule. Fall semester can be especially overwhelming because we all spent the last three months in summer mode. Making a flexible schedule can help ease the stress and ensure that you stay on top of everything. Personally, I’m an old-fashioned planner girl (Moleskines are flawless) but if you’re more tech-savvy, then Google Calendar is the way to go. Plan out each week well in advance as the semester progresses so you can spend your free time guiltlessly.
The academic year is indeed upon us, but there is no need to fear — with proper diet and exercise, success is near.
