by Asheton Richards
Contributing Writer
Okay this is not the typical “Flat abs in 5 minutes,” “Easy workouts,” “Get fit fast” bogus column that most of you are probably use to seeing. The truth is overall health and wellness does not come fast or easy.
Coming to college is full of new and exciting things; new places, parties and people. Along with those things also come, priorities, lifestyle and independence. At the age of 18 and 19balancing all of these changes can become overwhelming and stressful, so in order to stay on track you have to continue to motivate yourself. Most people come to college to improve themselves by continuing their education, excelling in sports, making a difference on campus and to overall become a better rounded person. Any freshman reading this is probably thinking, “I came to college to have fun and get away from home” and of course those things are great, but towards the end of spring semester most freshmen are also thinking “What am I doing here? Is college right for me? Can I handle all this?”
Being that I was once in those shoes and asking all the same questions to myself, the answer is yes, you can. Maybe your GPA isn’t too hot and you feel like a failure. The best way to improve your GPA is take some summer classes. Summer class are always shorter, easier and the best way to make up for the slack in the previous semesters. ODU also offers many free tutors, especially the classes for the general education requirements.
Not only should you be focusing on improving your mind, but your body as well. I am not saying spend two hours at the gym everyday and count every calorie you consume. The best way to improve your body is to actually use your body. Simple changes are the trick to an overall lifestyle change, such as, walking to the Subway on campus instead of driving there, taking the stairs and not the elevator and parking at the back of the lot instead of by the door. Getting your body in motion will actually help you to gain energy and keep you motivated throughout the day. So, even if it’s just taking the longer route to get to your class or squeezing in a 30 minute workout class at the Student Recreation Center, all the small changes will lead to one great one and that will be an improved you.
One thing that a lot of people forget about when they are feeling unmotivated and tired are the foods they are using to fuel their bodies. I am not one to recommend a diet by any means. Diets do not teach someone what their body needs and everyone’s body needs different things. Fast food, for example, is full of sugars, which are why people crave it, but what they don’t realize is that they are craving the sugar. Once your body is used to being fueled off of all the sugars in processed foods, the body literally gets addicted to sugar. What your body needs to function at its best are fresh foods that provide the body with carbohydrates for energy, protein for strong muscles and nutrients for functioning. So after a long night out with your friends, I know it may be hard to resist that “fourth meal” but your body will be thanking you in the morning.
So maybe freshman year has taken its toll on your mind and body, but it is not too late to get a fresh start on your freshman year. In order to have the best college experience, living a healthy and balanced college lifestyle is very important and possible.
