Written by CLAUDIA LIST
Returning to university after a one-and-a-half year hiatus the only thing I can think of is how to fit in full-time study, part-time work, a few hobbies, keep fit and still have some kind of social life. Like most people, one of my New Year’s resolutions was to get fitter and healthier in 2011 – something which I’ve failed miserably at so far. But, as they say, if you want something done, give it to a busy person. So as I begin a new and much fuller timetable than last year, there’s no better time to start thinking seriously about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while at Uni.
Take the stairs instead of the lift
A quick and easy way to increase your daily exercise. While in week one the tutorial on the sixth floor might seem like Mt. Everest by week four you’ll hardly break a sweat.
Increase the number of steps you take
Health experts suggest that you should aim for at least 10,000 steps per day so cycle or walk to Uni, get off of the bus a stop earlier, and if you really must drive, park the car farther away.
Join the Uni gym
Find a class you can take between lectures or ask some friends to join you. Building exercise into your schedule means you’re more likely to stick to it. Doing it with friends means you can still spend time together despite other commitments.
Bring lunch from home
Both your wallet and your waistline will thank you. Bringing leftovers or a sandwich means you’re less likely to eat something with a high fat, sugar or salt content. The time you spend at home is easily saved when you’re not queuing for lunch every day, and the extra dollars will soon add up.
An apple a day…
Even the best of us find it difficult to bring a packed lunch every day, so when you can’t, try to bring a piece of fruit. We all know there are times when only chocolate will do, but for anything else an apple is a great alternative.
And when you do need to buy lunch…
there are many quick, cheap and nutritional options available. Go for salads, sushi, cold rolls or sandwiches with lots of veggies. As tempting and cheap as they are, save the chips for the weekend.
These are the ways in which I’m going to attempt to lead a healthier lifestyle in 2011. Some or all of them may also work for you. I like a pint as much as the next person, and I certainly won’t be running any marathons any time soon, but the above suggestions are not too time consuming, not too expensive and most importantly, easy to incorporate into a student’s life. If you’ve taken the time to read this you probably made a new year’s resolution like mine, so I hope you find something useful here, and good luck with your health and fitness goals this year!
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