By Lauren Matheny, Staff Writer
The fall semester signals a fresh start for students across campus. It also brings the beginning of unhealthy habits: late night pizza binges, hours spent avoiding homework and watching Netflix, and a host of other college vices that can lead to sickness, stress and impaired class performance.
Starting out the semester with healthy habits can be the difference between success and failure at OCU.
Brenda Johnston, director of Campus Health Services said students should find a balance.
“Try to stay balanced with sleep, food, exercise, and hydration,” Johnston said. “Balance is the key to a healthy lifestyle.”
Organization also helps students be successful and can relive stress for those with a hectic schedule.
Student Life has student planner to help students keep track of assignments and important dates for class.
If dates are written in as soon as the syllabus is handed out, it can save time and stress searching through a sea of papers later in the semester.
A planner also balances out the stress of looming due dates.
Balance also helps promote physical health, Johnston said.
Amidst the crazy swirl of classes and activities, it can be hard to find time to fit in exercise, or even a balanced meal.
Taking a little bit of extra time to plan out meals for the day, working in half an hour of exercise, and making sure to get adequate sleep will lead to lower levels of stress–which makes for a much more successful student.
Johnston said students need to find what works for them.
Thinking about coping strategies now can lead to greater success down the road.
Anti-anxiety options can grow into activities that become part of a healthy lifestyle, which Kate Robison, acting junior said she discovered while practicing yoga this summer.
“I always feel really centered right after a yoga session,” Robison said. “It jump starts my whole day in a positive way.”
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