As I enter my sophomore year of college, I find myself hoping to help new SU students to live a happy and healthy freshman year. Here are 10 tips that helped me and others to avoid the dreaded "Freshman 15" and have a bit better mental health during the darker winter months.
1. Take the stairs whenever possible
At Syracuse, the stairs can be annoying since you must climb up to campus on them every day if you live in BBB, Sadler, or Lawrenson. And let's not forget climbing up The Stairs™ if you live on The Mount. Lucky for you though, you get a little work out before or after classes. I found myself climbing the stairs in front of Crouse College multiple times every day instead of taking the elevator in the Irving Garage and it would help wake me up some days.
2. Join a club sport
I personally didn't have time to join a team, but if you do have the time, I encourage you to investigate it! It's a great way to keep you busy.
3. Find a time in your schedule to work out
Even if it's for just a half-hour, it will help. With gyms located all around campus and in some residence halls, it's a pretty simple way to keep yourself healthy.
4. In the cafeterias, try your best not to overeat
It seems like an obvious tip, but in the SU dining halls, it's easy to put more on your plate than you should. There's no shame in overeating every so often though, it happens to everyone. If you are aware of what you eat and aren't just eating something because it's there, then you'll be fine.
5. Join the marching band (shameless plug, I had to)
As a proud member of the Syracuse University Marching Band, I can say with certainty it is the reason I didn't gain any weight during my freshman year. Although the season is only for the fall semester, you will feel the need to keep moving during the spring too. With your new-found time management skills from marching season, you will easily find time to get out more and keep active.
6. Gather some friends and play Just Dance
I personally play Just Dance like I'm the best dancer in the world, doing as many extra moves as I possibly can. This gets your blood pumping, plus it's fun to do with friends!
7. Enjoy the Quad
When the sun is out, take advantage of the benches around campus and the Quad. Soak up as much of the sunlight you can because you might not see it for a while. It'll lift your spirits and make you feel better to just relax in the warm sun.
8. Join an extracurricular
If sports aren't your thing, that's fine! Go out and explore an organization from the huge list of extracurriculars around campus. Join a few that you find interesting. These will help you get out of your dorm room and meet new people who have similar interests to you.
9. Have a relaxing night in
Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to just relax and have a night for yourself. At Syracuse, the recently appointed number one party school in the nation, you might have some serious FOMO if you don't go out. If you are mentally exhausted though, you should really take a night for yourself. There will always be other nights to go out.
10. Invite your friends over and have a relaxing night with others
If you don't like to be by yourself and recharge better with others, invite your friends over for a movie or game night instead of having a night by yourself. You won't be out getting overstimulated at parties and you'll be having fun with people you care about.
As the new school year approaches remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health! Take care of yourself!
