Lifestyle

Depending on where you decide to live, it can end up being really easy to keep fit at University. Choosing a house a 30 minute walk away from campus will mean you have a reason to exercise every day. This can be a great resource in day time and long summer evenings, but make sure you stay safe by keeping to well-lit areas and walking with a friend. Try to carry a bottle of fresh water as all that walking about can leave you dehydrated. The NHS recommends that on average you drink 1.2 litres of fluid every day, with water, milk and fruit juice being the healthiest options. Note water fountains around your University so you need never be thirsty for long. You will find yourself more alert and focused during those long hours in the library if you stay hydrated, as well as avoiding dry eyes when staring at a computer screen.

Healthy Eating

Eating fresh fruit and vegetables every day will keep your body functioning to the best of it’s ability. They are one of the cheapest food groups to buy so there is no excuse, and can be both eaten raw or cooked into an endless variety of meals and snacks. Submarine crew eat foods high in Potassium, including bananas and blueberries, to help them concentrate at the periscope – so your essay writing should be a doddle! It might sound obvious but eating these kinds of food for breakfast should be a high priority, as well as something substantial such as bran flakes or porridge to slowly release energy throughout the day. Not only will the morning trek to Uni seem less strenuous if you have had something to eat, but regularly eating breakfast stabilises your metabolism to help maintain a regular weight.

Don’t be tempted to crash diet based on what you’ve read in glossy magazines. They might promise instant weight loss but a drastic change in diet can do more harm than good, and you should always consult your doctor if you are worried about your weight. The best way to stay healthy, and feel great is to eat a consistent, filling amount of natural foods. A balanced diet is important, so get to know food labels on packaging and you won’t end up eating high levels of sugar, additives, saturated fat and salt. Ready meals can seem convenient whilst at University, but in reality they are rarely very nutritious and should only be a back up to keep in the freezer.

Exercise

Regular exercise can’t be beaten for the benefits it brings – be it with a student-price gym membership, aquafit class at the local sports centre, or regular walking and jogging. Cardiovascular and aerobic exercise cause your body to decrease stress hormones and release endorphins: the chemical that make us feel happier! If you still find it tedious, join a society that focuses on a fun and active sport like trampolining or rock-climbing, and it doesn’t always have to involve buying expensive equipment.