We’re three weeks into the semester which means syllabus week has come and gone, the school work is starting to pile up and our days get filled with other things like jobs and clubs. With the semester punching you in the face with full force it is easy to let some things slip. The easiest thing to put on the back burner? One of your most important priorities, yourself. These seven steps will help push the weight away and help keep your body, mind and sanity under wraps.
1. Put your shoes on. With bus stops what seems like every 20 feet, it’s easy to stand at one awaiting the big, blue, air-conditioned bus of glory. Lace up your favorite pair of Nikes, leave a few minutes earlier and take a few extra steps throughout your day by walking to your classes. Now I realize some of you may live miles from campus, I’ll forgive you if you take the bus, but for those of you who live a short walk to campus why not get out enjoy the weather and burn an extra few calories for the day. The walk will give you some time to think, get your brain active for class and wake your body up.
2. Freedom or failure? Now I’m sure we’ve all had our parents bark at us more than a few times about eating our vegetables, but don’t let that voice in the back of your head go away just because you’re on your own now. The freedom of college lets you make your decisions; your parents aren’t there to make your dinner for you. Don’t get lost in the land of ice cream, fried foods and cereal for dinner, believe me, been there, done that. Whether you’re a freshman eating at Mrs. E’s or in your own apartment for the first time, make sure to pick some healthier options. These healthy foods will help keep off the unwanted weight as well as keep you energized throughout the day.
3. Kick, punch & hit it. KU has an array of clubs, activities and jobs to get involved with on campus. One fun way to get involved is through intramural sports. Grab a group of friends, people on your floor or people you work with and sign up for any of the numerous sports the Rec has to offer. From volleyball, to soccer, basketball, they have it all. Intramural sports are a fun way to get your heart rate up while hanging out with some cool people.
4. Stay on top. Papers, readings, math problems. Sound like your agenda for the night? Only three weeks into the semester I’m sure summer is still on the mind and you’re longing for relaxing days at the pool, at least that’s how it is for me. Well I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but summer’s come to an end and it’s time to take that summer brain and put it to good use. It’s easy to let the weight of school work push you further into the ground the more you push it off. Stay on top your school work and keep the procrastination minimal to limit the stress and start the semester off on a good note.
5. Football frenzy. We all know what the beginning of school means. Yes, you guessed it, the start of football season, or better known to most students at KU is tailgate season. Now I’m not saying to push away all the alcohol pushed your way, because let’s be honest, the KU losses become a little more bearable with beer in the system. But, with beer comes an excess of calories as well as even more calories from the ever so popular drunk food. Of course a lot of alcohol can pack on the pounds, but the real weight comes from all the food. My piece of advice this tailgate season is have fun, but enjoy it in moderation.
6. Put your best foot forward. How lucky are we to have a place like the Rec in the palm of our hands? When something is out of reach it becomes easy to make excuses to put it on the back burner. Well the Rec is right at our finger tips and the excuses become harder to justify. With it staring you in the face it’s hard to say no. Go before class, in between class or right after, whatever you need to get that workout in!
7. Inhale & exhale. Last but not least and definitely most important, make time for yourself. Whether you love to paint, write or just binge watch Netflix, take time to relax and focus on doing something you love for no one but yourself. Taking a little time to yourself every day will help reduce stress, heighten your mood and most importantly it will help you to not throw your homework all over your room screaming “F*@* this!”