Being in University halls is probably the first time most of us have lived under a separate roof from our parents. While we all relish in this new found freedom, here are some tips to keep you healthy so that when you go home over Christmas, you’re not just the messy, half-functioning remains of what was once a healthy human being!
1. Get Enough Sleep
I’m not suggesting for one second that you miss the next Crisis all-nighter in the name of beauty sleep- no way- but living in halls has an electric vibe which hardly ever sleeps. Living with three hundred people and a whole lot of alcohol means there are always people around and there is always something going on! If you’re having some difficulty sleeping through the noise of some rowdy housemates, invest in some ear plugs! It’s an easy purchase off amazon, and for a couple of pounds you can drift off into your 7 hour sleep and wake up feeling refreshed rather than with a vengeance!
2. Give Your Liver a Rest
What would Freshers’ be without the regular drinking games, messy nights out and bonding over looking after your embarrassing drunken friends? Without sounding like too much of a bore, on your nights off, consider having a rest from alcohol and let yourself recover. Drink plenty of water, and if you can, take multivitamin tablets. You’re going to be relying on your liver for many a night out in years to come so showing some appreciation for your liver wouldn’t go amiss.
3. Eating Healthy
Three meals a day; cooked, ready and waiting- don’t take it for granted. Soon you’ll be dependent on a microwave and will have to do your own washing up! Being catered is a blessing, so try a variety. Whilst the Chinese restaurant in Portland might be the best lunch you’ve had that hasn’t got you reaching for your wallet, it doesn’t hurt having a salad once in a while. If you’re not particularly hungry, collect yourself a little stash of fruit so that you’ve got something to snack on. Hall dinners aren’t always to everyone’s taste, so if you’re a particularly fussy eater, stock up on some extra snacks and have a big lunch. Having a big lunch and a smaller dinner is better for you. Alternatively, for those who can eat anything and everything, just think: maybe you don’t ALWAYS need that chocolate desert.
4. Occasional Treats not daily gorge
Nottingham isn’t short of takeaway services! Throughout the year you’ll be bombarded with leaflets and have Fortune Boy Chinese on speed dial! Try to keep your takeaway dates to a minimum. Leave some snacks in your room before a night out so that when you return, you don’t immediately reach for your phone. The average Indian takeaway contains more than your daily allowance in fat, which is fine for a special treat, but have them too often and you can soon say goodbye to the summer bod you worked hard for. Save yourself the money and the waistline, and make the most of hall food.
5. Exercise
I am by no means an exercise enthusiastic. If I’m honest, I would rather do… well, anything than spend my evenings in the gym. Try and get some exercise in your routine, but in a more bearable manner. Join a Zumba class with a friend or just occasionally try walking instead of mindlessly jumping on the bus. With your headphones in or spending time with a friend, you won’t even notice you’re exercising.
Just in case you needed some extra inspiration ;) (Cheap shot – I know!)
Edited by Amelia Bauer
References
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/stay-healthy-college/#axzz3EX86TY8h
http://www.studentdebtinfo.co.uk/take_away_food_for_students.php
Photos
Sleeping- http://jinksfam.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/sleepy-heads.html
Hangover- http://www.nanowellusa.com/store_en/inx_Detail.asp?tcModeCode=500647
Waist – http://urbaninsuburbia1.com/
Zumba- http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3qlipp
Healthy eating- http://emmaolliff.com/eat-way-better-health/