As university students, our timetables are always full, whether it's with tasks, tests, labs, internships, or volunteering. Days pass by, and in the blink of an eye, the semester concludes.

We are all working immensely hard to excel in our classes, but I doubt many of us have asked ourselves: How often do I take a moment to reflect on my health and my lifestyle?

With so much on our plates every day, we often neglect the plate of food in front of us. Sometimes, we struggle to find time to work out or even do a five-minute exercise.

Our schedules are typically extremely busy, and as a result, students rarely take a moment to reflect on their lifestyle during their time at university. Even when they realise they are on the wrong track, they often fail to take it seriously.

In a conversation with Vivan Anthony, a former obese student now leading a healthy lifestyle, she shared her journey saying:

"Having battled obesity and its limitations, I decided to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Through online research and consultations with a health expert, I successfully embarked on a journey towards well-being".

Expanding on Vivian's journey, she embraced a healthier and happier lifestyle through positive changes over several months. Here are two key practices that have contributed to her transformation:

Prioritising Nutritional Habits: 

Initially, Vivian overhauled her eating routine, recognizing its pivotal role in a healthy lifestyle. Previously neglectful of meal choices, she addressed the challenge of time-consuming cooking and, at times, even skipped meals due to a hectic schedule.

Vivian relied on instant noodles, pizza, meat pie, and sugary beverages as her go-to solution for both lunch and dinner for an extended period. Recognizing the detrimental impact on her health, she made a crucial decision to bid farewell to these choices. Additionally, she eliminated the practice of adding sugar to her beverages.

“For the first 2-3 weeks of changing my diet routine, it was challenging to sip my coffee and tea without sugar. Nonetheless, after a month, I fell in love with the change! Now, I eat healthily. For lunch, I usually have something filling like a sandwich or bowl of rice, and for supper, I design a quality feast for myself. Since I love apples, grapes, and yoghurt, I fill up on a natural fruit bowl using these three ingredients.”

“Also, I don’t crave sugar in my drinks anymore. I've started disliking the idea of putting sugar in drinks! Quitting pizza and shawarma wasn’t easy, as they were among my favourite go-to snacks; however, I've intentionally replaced them with healthier, crunchy snacks. Within 4–6 weeks of transitioning to a healthy diet, I could see changes in my weight and overall lifestyle!”

Balancing Fitness with a Busy Academic Schedule:

Balancing fitness commitments with a demanding academic schedule poses a common challenge for many students. The key lies in strategic time management.

Vivian notes that incorporating short, intense workouts that align with personal preferences, or brisk walks during study breaks can boost energy levels and enhance focus.

"I agree that finding time for a workout or exercise, especially in university where academic work is highly demanding, can be difficult. However, I usually go for a Last-minute walk or do a fun dance workout, which serves as both a good break and exercise. I feel more energised and mostly in a positive and good mood when I make this a regular practice. Exercise truly enables me to maintain a healthier lifestyle".

In conclusion, prioritising a healthy lifestyle is of utmost importance for students. Maintaining well-being not only enhances overall quality of life but also positively impacts academic performance. 

If you ever find yourself entangled in unhealthy habits, it's crucial to take immediate action and implement positive changes.