It’s extremely hard trying to lead a healthy lifestyle as a post-secondary student. The two concepts just don’t line up very well and one of the most difficult aspects of this is finding the time and energy to exercise and stay in shape. However, if you work on developing proper habits that can be worked into the student lifestyle it is entirely possible to stay healthy, fit, educated and happy.

EAT PROPERLY AND REST WHEN YOU CAN

The most important part of staying healthy begins before the workout does. You need to be in the right mindset and have proper energy levels to take on any kind of physical activity and you can’t do this without rest and nutrition. Unfortunately, being a student can be extremely taxing enough on energy and time as it is, without even factoring exercise into the equation. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night and if you’re not able to, take some powernaps throughout the day so you’re not constantly running yourself down as the day drags on. On top of that, resist the temptation to go out and buy junk food for lunch each day, and take the time throughout your week to cook healthy, well-balanced meals that will keep you energized. Also, bring a water bottle with you to all your classes and stay hydrated. If you’re able to take on these habits, you’ll see dramatic changes in your energy levels, making working out and other psychical activities that much easier.

COMMUTE

A great way to stay active as a student is finding ways you can fit exercise into areas that are already part of your daily routine. One of the best places to do this is in your commute to and from school each day. If you normally drive or bus, wake up a little earlier and give biking, jogging or walking a try. It may add a bit more time to your day, but if you’re trying to stay fit, it ends up saving you time from your workout routine later. You’ll also arrive at school much more energized and ready to take on the day. If you don’t have a bike, bicycles can be borrowed from the Biz Booth for free through the Fanshawe Student Union (FSU). More info on this can be found at FSU.ca/bikes.

FIT EXERCISE INTO YOUR SOCIAL LIFE

A major hindrance to staying active in school is trying to juggle it with time out with friends. Often, it feels like in order to have time for school work you have to choose between having a social lifestyle or a healthy one. However, if you try combining the two you’ll find there are plenty of fun activities you can get up to with friends that can be physically beneficial to you as well. Work on your upper body strength by going rock climbing with friends at the Junction Climbing Center, then head to a trampoline park, such as The Factory, for leg day. If you’re the outdoors type, go biking or get a pick-up game of baseball going with a group of friends. Even something as simple as bowling is better than sitting in a movie or hanging out at the bar on the weekend.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SCHOOL FACILITIES

One of the best benefits of being a Fanshawe student is the Student Wellness Centre, which was just recently upgraded in 2017. It features top-of-theline work out equipment, gymnasiums, squash courts, rock climbing walls and other amazing facilities that can be accessed free of charge if you’re a full-time student. If you’re looking for something to give you that extra push, try working with a personal trainer or taking one of the many classes and other fitness programs that the Wellness Center has to offer. More information can be found at StudentWellnessCentre.ca.

BE PATIENT

If you are looking to get started with an active lifestyle for the first time, some of these new routines may be more difficult than others. If that’s the case, it’s important to take things slow and work on adding a new aspect to your daily routine every few weeks, so as not to be overwhelmed or discouraged. With patience, persistence and dedication you’ll see slow, but steady improvements in your health, lifestyle and mindset.