Finding balance
Finding balance
September 17, 2012
When you first start post-secondary school, you may find yourself inundated with information on how to maintain "balance" in your new academic life.
What is this "balance", and where do you get it?
Moving away from home to a new city and adjusting to a new school can be challenging. It’s important to understand that you’re not alone and to recognize the signs of stress and anxiety.
To help ease the transition, here are some tips to help you achieve balance in your mental, physical, and nutritional health.
Exercise:
When I was in university, I found running or going to the gym a great stress reliever. I slept better, and I focused more during the day. You don’t even need to go to the gym to stay active—just plan walks with friends or an afternoon jog between classes. Just a little stroll can improve your energy levels and your focus! Some post-secondary schools include gym memberships in their tuition fees, while others offer low-cost memberships to on-campus or local gyms. While I never got involved in intramural or competitive sports, I know they can be a great way to reduce stress and meet new people. Take a break from homework and kick a ball around!
Eat well:
I wish I had taken this advice when I was in university. My meals consisted mostly of pasta and whatever the nearby fast-food restaurants or coffee shops were serving. Whenever you can, replace junk food with fruits and vegetables. You could even make plans with friends to cook homemade meals, rather than eating in the cafeteria. The Canada Food Guide has all the basics for you. By eating well, you can stay energized, look good, and avoid getting sick—and no one wants to be sick during mid-terms! Here are a few more ideas on how to eat well:
- Make meals in advance on the weekend, and freeze them for the week ahead.
- Pack your lunch and carry healthy snacks to avoid vending machines or impulse buys.
- Look at the healthier options at the school’s cafeteria, including lots of vegetables and high-fibre foods.
- Use the Internet to check out nutritional information about local fast-food places. It may sound good for you, but it may not be the case!
It can be hard to maintain a balance between achieving academic success and looking after your physical, mental, and nutritional health—but it’s not impossible. Keep communication lines open with the members of your support system, make plans, and stick to prioritizing your own health and success.
What tips do you have?