Staying Healthy

Succeeding as an engineering student generally equates to optimizing time, prioritizing academics above all. This characteristic has distinguished us among our peers and created unique opportunities in our lives thus far. However, in the process of striving for the highest marks, we often sacrifice basic needs, such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

Water and Sleep

Perhaps the most obvious way to maintain your overall health is to drink more water. Our campus has water stations in almost every academic building, even in some dorms. Carrying a thermos can keep you hydrated throughout the day, preventing headaches and sickness. Another important factor in preventing illness is sleep. If you have early classes, don’t be afraid to take a short nap in the afternoon! Try to coordinate sleeping schedules with your roommate to guarantee a good night’s sleep. Most students don’t realize the importance of making your room a ‘sleeping space’ rather than a ‘studying space.’ Studying in your dorm may be convenient, but it can run together your sleeping time and your studying time; as mentioned before, we will often choose the latter.

A Balanced Diet

The “freshman fifteen” may not be applicable to us in the same way as other majors, due to our busy schedules and heavy workloads. However, we can still fall into making poor meal choices or overeating in those small gaps we allow for meals. Make eating healthy easy by keeping nutritious snacks in your dorm. Try taking a piece of fruit as you leave the dining hall and eat it for breakfast the next morning. To prevent overeating at the dining halls, try filling a takeout box and taking it to your favorite spot on campus! Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a conscience battle if you implement wholesome foods into each of your meals. As tempting as that Papa John’s may be at 2 am, try to limit late night eating. All of this aside, take the time to indulge with your friends from time to time; a trip to the creamery may solidify a newfound friendship :)

Exercise

After a long day of classes and a night of homework ahead, you may not be motivated for a trip to the gym. An exciting alternative may be an intramural team or fitness class. Fitness is most easily achieved in pairs, and it also builds a special friendship that thrives on witnessing each other reach personal goals. While most people imagine themselves being even more exhausted after a short exercising session, it often produces the opposite effect. Many actually feel refreshed and awake to finish their assignments. Even if exercising isn’t for you, simply try to walk to class rather than taking the bus! You shouldn’t be surprised by how much walking can be done in one day on the University Park campus.

Knowing Your Limit

Never hesitate to talk to a friend if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Talking through your difficulties, no matter the magnitude, is essential for a healthy mind. You may not believe you have many close friends on campus, but in actuality, most girls in your engineering classes or clubs will take the time to help a struggling peer. Even so, never be ashamed to call home; we all need that familiarity sometimes.

Don’t sacrifice your mental and physical health during the college experience. The effects, both long term and short term, are easily preventable with time management, planning, and a healthy mind. You have to take care of yourself in order to be happy amidst all of your successes!

Laura Hinkle is a sophomore majoring in Architectural Engineering and is a Rover for WEPO'16!