Why you should keep fit and look after your wellbeing

Going to university is an exciting time for many students, but it can also come with some challenges for your health and fitness. With the temptations of junk food, alcohol, and late nights, it can be hard to maintain a balanced lifestyle and avoid the dreaded “Freshers’ Fifteen”. However, staying fit and healthy at uni is not impossible, and it can even be fun and rewarding. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Eat well: Eating a nutritious and varied diet is essential for your physical and mental health. Try to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals and snacks. Avoid skipping breakfast, as it can boost your metabolism and energy levels. Also, limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol, as they can add extra calories and harm your health. Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or boring, you can find many cheap and easy recipes online12 or in student cookbooks.

Exercise regularly: Exercise is not only good for your body, but also for your mood, concentration, and stress levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or a combination of both3. You can choose any type of exercise that you enjoy and suits your schedule, such as walking, cycling, running, swimming, dancing, or playing sports. You can also join a university sports club or society, which can help you meet new people and have fun while staying fit45. If you prefer to work out at home, you can use free fitness apps, YouTube tutorials, or home exercise equipment.

Get enough sleep: Sleep is vital for your health and well-being, as it helps your body and brain to recover and function properly. Lack of sleep can affect your mood, memory, immunity, and weight. Try to get at least seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night, and stick to a regular sleep schedule. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and screens before bed, as they can interfere with your sleep quality. Also, make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable.

Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is important for your health, as it helps your body to flush out toxins, regulate temperature, and transport nutrients. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, dry skin, and constipation. Aim for at least two litres of water per day, and more if you exercise or sweat a lot. You can also drink herbal teas, fruit juices, or smoothies, but avoid sugary drinks, energy drinks, and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you and add extra calories.

Take care of your mental health: University can be stressful and overwhelming at times, so it’s important to look after your mental health and well-being. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel anxious, depressed, or lonely. You can talk to your friends, family, tutors, or counsellors, or use online resources and helplines. You can also practice some self-care activities, such as meditation, yoga, reading, listening to music, or doing something creative. Try to maintain a positive attitude, and celebrate your achievements and successes.