Welcome to the MBKU family! I know that incoming students are most concerned about how to be successful in their studies. Although, we’re here to improve our knowledge, let’s not forget the importance of our physical well-being. Staying physically active is very important for many reasons, such as:
- Improving mental alertness
- Burning calories to help counteract the constant snacking that inevitably happens when you’re in lectures all day
- Providing increased energy levels
- Reducing chronic disease risk
You may be asking, who has time to be physically active when I’ll either be studying or catching up on sleep? Read on below for some helpful tips on how to stay active.
How to stay active and moving
1. Visit the MBKU Fitness Center
If you weren’t aware, the MBKU Fitness Center is located right next to the Campus Safety Office. There are cardio machines, free weights and some weight machines. You have 24-hour access so you can go before school, after school or like I often do, at lunch time. There are lockers and showers if you need them. A one-day locker key is available from the Campus Safety Office.
2. Walk during your breaks
Grab a friend and make a habit of walking during your break. There is also the large outdoor amphitheater if you’re into steps. Running up and down a few times will get the heart rate up and the endorphins flowing! If the weather is bad, there are stairs inside the Health building, they work well too.
3. Spend time walking in nature
University Student Affairs often sends out emails, to go on a nature walk at the Fullerton Arboretum across the street. The gardens are part of the Cal State Fullerton campus and have a lake with ducks and turtles, shaded areas, and a cool southwestern-style garden with cactus and other desert plants. If there isn’t a scheduled walk, grab some friends and go at lunch, it’s free!
Healthy snack options
Besides staying active, make your snacks healthy! High carbohydrate-rich junk food snacks make it difficult to focus and stay awake during the late afternoon. Some of my classmates make a big portion and take turns sharing. Try some of these ideas.
- Veggies with dip (No time to clean and cut them up? You can buy them already ready to eat.)
- String cheese
- Hummus and pretzels
- Mixed nuts
- Fresh fruit and cheese
- Trail mix (Buy all the ingredients in bulk and make your own much cheaper.)
- Tortilla filled with deli meat or cheese
And one of the most important things to remember is, don’t overdo the caffeine. What goes up must come down! Last, but not least, drink plenty of water.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you have balance, which is so important.
Wishing you happy and healthy studying!
April Shaw
School of PA Studies, Class of 2020