Getting Really Ready for School

By Hilary Ribons

Starting college again is often a high-stress activity.  Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, the move-in, adjustments, and scheduling of classes is enough to put even the calmest of us into panic mode.

So what should we do?  Well, my personal favorite thing to do is exercise and eat healthy.  It’s not always as much of a drag as you think, either.  Check out these tips for fun ways to reduce stress:

1.Yoga:  This mind-and-body meditation is a workout and a stress-reducer all in one.  Most college campuses have caught on to this wonder worker and offer free clubs or classes.  If not, there are a few options-- you can start a club yourself, or you can pay a little bit of money to motivate yourself to do what’s good for you.

1. Look for free trials/classes:  While I was at home, I took a free Zumba in the park.  Zumba, first of all, is an instant mood booster.  A combination of Latin dance moves and cardio, it leaves you exhausted in a good way.  No energy to worry about things after a Zumba class!  Many small businesses offer free trials in good weather on the weekends to get the word out about their business.  And the ultimate gift that keeps on giving?  A good fitness video.  Every workout after you purchase it is free, plus, if you don’t feel comfortable shakin’ it in front of strangers, you can do so in your own room.  Ole`!!
2. Run--off campus:  Weather permitting, take some time to remove yourself from your environment and explore the surrounding area.  Going to school, sleeping, eating and exercising with your peers can get a little monotonous, discouraging you from exercising when you should.  Running is also an excellent stress-reliever and will help ward off the infamous FRESHMAN 15.....
3. Join the Outdoors Club:  I did.  It was great, I got to go snowshoeing in the woods of Massachusetts-- it was a wonderful way to get outdoors even when the weather was cold.

For more tips on healthy living, check out what Lisa Sallin, owner of Max Nutrition. food shop has to say about eating well so that you can be (and feel) your absolute best.  See  “Salads – done right” in our Intrinzic section