Healthy habits keep busy students fit, happy
By Megan Krause, Campus Life writer
October 24, 2007 | 10:56 a.m.
Finding time to hit the gym may be challenging; however, through simple exercise and healthy habits, staying in shape does not have to take up all of your time. These helpful health hints may change your attitude toward fitness.
Exercise is not just for weight control
Although a concern of many students is keeping off the "freshman 15" or the subsequent weight gain that may come later, exercise provides other benefits as well. According to HealthGuidance.org, taking the time to exercise will keep your immune system healthy and improve your mood.
Exercise also helps college students cope with other mental stresses. According to Christopher Schwirian, lecturer of Physiology at Ohio University, “Physical activity has a documented ability to reduce anxiety.”
Staying active is the best way to get in shape
It is important for students to be realistic about their busy schedule. Setting aside an hour to go to the gym is more difficult than it may seem.
“It looks like you have a large amount of time to do something, but it hardly ever materializes,” Schwirian said.
The best way to combat a lack of time is to do what you can when you do have the time. Schwirian recommended going to class ready to work out. Going straight to Ping from class takes away the chance that students may decide they do not actually want to exercise.
Schwirian also recommended taking time early in the day to workout.
“You’re more likely to do it if you do it early in the day,” he said. Pushing back plans to exercise does not usually turn out well. Throughout the day the typical student’s to-do list grows longer and longer. If one crosses exercise off the list early, then they will have more time for other tasks later, Schwirian said.
Wise snacking pays off
Thinking about your eating habits can also help students get into shape. Consider what you are putting into your system before you take a bite.
According to KidsHealth.org, late night sugar and caffeine cravings can be satisfied by alternatives that will actually provide more energy with fewer negative effects. Instead of sticking to a vending machine diet, go for an apple with peanut butter or yogurt with low fat granola.
Munching on fruit that students are allowed to take home from the dining hall is a good option, Schwirian said. However, he realizes that students have stressful weeks where they tend to eat a less-than-healthy diet. In this situation, he advised students not to be disappointed that they ate poorly.
“Don’t worry about what’s happened in the past, but move on,” he said.
Similarly, Schwirian is not advocating that students never eat pizza and other stereotypical college food staples. He simply explained that they should be consumed in moderation.
“One less slice on a regular basis can pay off,” he said.
Dining halls are common student downfalls
Another place where college students go wrong is in the dining hall, says KidsHealth.org. Do not feel compelled to eat the main dishes they give you in the quantities that they provide. Think about making a meal of side dishes to fit your specific nutritional needs.
Because of the social atmosphere of dining halls it is easy to munch unconsciously, Schwirian added. “It’s very easy to stop paying attention to what you’re eating,” he said. “Periodically ask yourself if you’re still hungry.”
Sleep is a surefire way to improve health
Sleep is an important factor for a healthy college life. It also may be the hardest factor to acquire. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sleep deprivation in college students can lead to an inability to concentrate, a minor illness or a higher susceptibility to depression and stress.
According to Schwirian, the endocrine and central nervous systems are still active during the sleep cycle. Consequentially, sleep is necessary so that they can perform duties that keep the body healthy because there is no time for this during the day.
Schwirian added that many college students are sleep deprived, and it only hurts them. “Lack of sleep can prevent weight loss and may even result in weight gain,” he said.
Personalized plans for healthy living work best
A great deal of advice concerning health is better given on a case-by-case basis. Visit MyPyramid.gov to see a personalized account of how much of a type of food one should eat. This Web site will also recommend an amount of exercise according to factors such as age, sex, height, weight and physical activities.
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For more information about Ping Recreation Center programs, exercise programs or intramural sports visit www.ohiou.edu/recreation.