I’m a college student. Here's how I stay healthy at school.
When I first moved to college, I was patiently awaiting the first day of classes and thinking about all the new people I would soon meet. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t really thinking about what I was going to do to stay healthy, now that I was just starting to live on my own.
What I did start to think about was how busy I was getting, even in those first few weeks of school. I definitely know that finding the time to head to the gym or cook a healthy meal after a long day of classes can feel like a tall order. But, as I started to fall further into a routine, I realized that engaging in a healthy lifestyle while at school and away from home is crucial not only to my physical health, but also to my mental health.
I was nervous to go to the gym at first, but as I continue with it, the activity keeps getting more enjoyable. My university provides access to the school gyms, which is extremely helpful (especially in the winter) because it’s a pretty short walk from anywhere on campus. I found that going to work out with friends was a great way to motivate myself to get started. I always had someone to talk to, and if I didn’t know how to do an exercise, they could typically help me out.
I have also found that walking is also one of my favorite ways to move. My campus is conveniently located right next to a lake, with a path that goes directly along the water. This path has some of the best views on campus and makes it easier for me to get the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week.
On the days when it feels like a challenge to get myself to the gym, or when it’s a bit too cold for a walk, I turn to at-home workouts that I can find on YouTube. I typically search for a pilates video (no equipment necessary!) and have found so many great options that fit into my schedule. And, if things start to get monotonous, there’s always unique ways to spice up your exercise routine!
Cooking a delicious, healthy meal is a great way to decompress after a long day. In fact, some of the foods we cook with are cancer-fighting! One of my favorite meals currently is salmon topped with pesto with a side of vegetables and rice. It’s quick, easy, leaves relatively few dishes to do (a must-have when you’re in college), and tastes great!
A LIRE AUSSI : What is a plant-based diet and can it help prevent cancer?
During my first year at school, I did not have access to a great kitchen, so I mainly ate in the dining halls. I thought it would be much harder than it was to eat a healthy, balanced diet in the dining hall. Fruits and vegetables are great options to keep in your rotation of meals at the dining hall and in your fridge in a dorm, apartment or house as well! I always loved it when there were fresh strawberries to grab and enjoy with dinner.
A LIRE AUSSI : Healthy after-school snacks
With my university being situated right next to a lake, once the sun comes out in spring (a welcome reprieve from the harsh winters), everyone goes down to the water for a common activity: tanning. The increased sun exposure that comes with tanning under the sun brings an elevated risk of cancer de la peau. When the weather gets nice, I try to follow tips to stay skin healthy et use sunscreen when participating in outdoor activities.
As much as I love college, I love going back home to see my family as well. This year, I will be turning 21 around the time I go home for Thanksgiving break. That means I will be old enough to start scheduling my routine cancer screenings. When I go home, one of the first things I’m going to do is schedule the screenings I need with my health care provider so that I can stay on top of my health.
Moving to college is a new and potentially frightening time that brings a lot of questions, including how to stay healthy. I have found that incorporating workouts, walks, good food and time with friends into my schedule is critical to ensuring I enjoy the time I have at school while promoting better health outcomes at the same time.