With a full load of classes, a part-time job, studying and socializing, finding time for staying healthy can seem overwhelming. We’ve all been there: sitting in the same spot in the library for 6+ hours straight, living off of Cheez-Its and caffeine. But it doesn’t have to become a lifestyle. There are so many ways to sneak in a little exercise and healthy eating.
1. Walk more.
Forget mopeds. Forget the bus. As a student at a large university, you are constantly walking everywhere. I don’t wear a Fitbit, but I know that you can easily reach your step goals on campus.
2. Take the stairs.
Your dorm or apartment might come with an elevator, but challenge yourself to take the stairs more! After a long day, I get wanting to take the easy way out. But there is a reason there is a stair climber at the gym. It is a really easy way to get a quick workout in!
3. Try out new recipes.
There are so many delicious and easy ways to stay healthy in college. While dining out or eating at the dining hall might seem like the easiest option, there are so many recipes that only require a few ingredients. Here a couple of examples to check out:
Skip: Dining Hall Waffles
Try Instead: 3-Ingredient Pancakes
All you need: 1 egg, 1 cup oats (ground), 1 banana, syrup (optional), blueberries or dark chocolate chips (optional)
Skip: Noodles and Company
Try Instead: Zucchini Spaghetti
All you need: zucchini, spaghetti sauce, a vegetable spiralizer, olive oil, tomatoes (optional)
4. Check out group classes at your recreation facilities.
Working out doesn’t have to be a chore! Make staying fit a hobby by checking out the group classes your school has to offer. (At UW-Madison you can try out group classes at the beginning of each semester!) You can even make it a social event by getting some friends together to check out classes like Zumba, HIIT workouts or group strength.
5. Join an intermural sport.
You don’t have to be a star athlete to get in the game! Consider joining an intermural sport for a fun way to stay in shape and hang out with friends.
6. Become a yogi.
Yoga is one of my favorite ways to stay healthy, because there are so many benefits from it. You can increase your flexibility and level of relaxation at the same time. How much better does it get? Try a yoga class at the SERF or NAT. If hot yoga is more your thing, check out Inner Fire Yoga and Dragonfly Hot Yoga. Both have free classes for first-time visitors and affordable packages for your first month!
7. Take some time for yourself.
People tend to forget about what I think is the most important part of your health: mental health. Don’t forget to take some time to check in with yourself here and there. School is important, but your sanity is essential! You’re a Badger, so clearly you have what it takes to be here. Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s okay to take a break to make sure you don’t get too overloaded with school and extracurricular activities.
Fall semester is here whether we are ready for it or not, Collegiettes (that means so are game-day activities, PSLs, and long days at the library). So, try to incorporate these tricks into your life to stay healthier this semester!