Oracle Online

Going to Hamline University is supposed to be an experience that enriches lives and grants a new perspective to take into the “real world” on graduation day. But the enriching isn’t just about academics. It isn’t just about staying on top of grades, or joining an honors club, or writing a solid, powerful essay.
Keeping up with health is just as important as forging a sharp mind.

There are a ton of stresses that Hamline college students have to endurečwriting-intensive classes keep the pressure on by forcing students to develop challenging papers and arguments. Class registration can create tension among competing requirements for the Hamline Plan. Homework and studying can pile up unexpectedly. Roommates, significant others, awareness campaigns, and extra-curricular obligations compete for priority. Above it all is the looming mantra-“what am I going to do when I get this degree?”

All these worries take a negative toll on health if they build up, and common methods of releasing this stress can hurt as much as they help. Smoking and drinking are two of the popular ways, and each hurt health in the long run.

With all these factors, it is not surprising that many college students gain weight and lose energy during college. The effects are strongly felt; many of us sleep excessively whenever we can, feel irritable and depressed for no good reason, or sometimes simply break down.

These are all signs of a body trying to draw attention to how its health is in need of attention. We are all told, as students, to focus our efforts on improving our minds, to make ourselves attractive as potential employees after we graduate; however, our physical health is just as important to our well-being. Even the most dedicated mind can’t focus on tasks if the body that supports it is ailing.

Make time to exercise, even if it isn’t necessarily the most fun reason to get up in the morning. Lift weights, run, do sit-ups, whatever-as long as it’s enough to get the heart active beyond its comfort zone a few times a week. That’s all it takes, and it only gets easier when healthy habits are formed. If you need help motivating yourself, go with a friend. I try to run on the track with my fraternity brother, Brian, three times a week, and I speak from experience when I say that it really helps me if I have someone else there with me to stay motivated.

Work at it little by little. A revolutionary new diet isn’t necessary. It’s easier to change carrots for chips and water for pop than to start a new diet plan all at once. The college lifestyle doesn’t have to be an unhealthy one. As students, we should make it a goal to come out of college improved in every way, including our bodies.