-
Take advantage of the fall weather and DC views: We all know that it’s easy to remain trapped in the Foggy Bottom bubble – but that shouldn’t stop you from exploring DC and the perfect fall weather! After months of 90-degree heat, stepping outside into a comfortable 70 degrees has never felt better. The good news is that there is still plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities this fall: whether you grab a latte and go for a walk around the mall with your roommates or rent a bike to cycle through Rock Creek Park, make the most of outdoor activities this semester! Not only will this keep you in shape physically, but it’s also a great way to give your mind a break from studying and writing papers!
-
Challenge yourself to learn one new recipe each week: If you have a kitchen in your dorm room, or have access to one on your floor, learning one new recipe each week is a great way to add a healthy meal into your routine! It’s entirely too easy to opt for takeout with friends, but if you commit to learning one new recipe each week, by the end of the semester you’ll have over ten new recipes under your belt! Make sure to incorporate lots of vegetables, lean protein, and healthy carbs into your dish. Check out some of my favorite recipes here.
-
Switch up your workout routine: Sometimes, often without even realizing it, your body gets tired of doing the same exercises over and over again. Not only does this make your workout less effective and challenging, but it makes working out seem redundant. This fall, find a new class to take or a new workout to try and switch up your routine! By keeping your body guessing, you’ll inevitably have to work harder, which means you’ll get more out of your workout. So grab one of your friends and try that yoga class you’ve always thought about, or try out an at home HIIT (high-intensity interval training) circuit to get your heart pumping between classes! This HIIT circuit only takes 7 minutes!
-
Visit local farmer’s markets: One of the best aspects of living in Foggy Bottom is the number of farmer’s markets available on a weekly basis! My personal favorite is the Foggy Bottom farmer’s market; it is held right by the metro on campus every Wednesday from 2-7 PM. The best part? They accept GWorld! This is a great way to incorporate fresh produce into your diet and give back to local farms – and they’re open until November 25th! Check out other Farmer’s Markets in the DC area here.
-
Keep a positive mindset! As classes come into full swing and obligations to student orgs pile up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. The most important way to stay healthy this semester is to keep a positive mindset – make to-do lists of what needs to get done, get enough rest, and limit stress as much as possible! When you’re taking care of your body by eating healthy and exercising regularly, it’s much easier to keep a positive mindset.
Good luck this semester! HCXO.