Taking care of your health is always important; having less free time shouldn’t change that. Being a student in the IAA may not allow for as much free time as an undergrad, but there are many great ways to stay healthy during the program. I will discuss some lifestyle choices anyone can incorporate to benefit their health.
Get Moving at the Gym
Joining a gym is an excellent way to stay physically active and be committed to regular exercise. A gym offers much more than just lifting weights – many have a wide variety of activities to choose from! NC State’s Carmichael Rec Center is open to all NC State students for free (make sure you have your One Card) and has features including:
- Weightlifting equipment (free-weights, cables, machines, etc.)
- Cardio equipment (treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, etc.)
- 11 indoor basketball courts
- An indoor track
- Racquetball and squash courts
- Fitness studios
- Rock climbing
- And more!
It’s important to note however that parking is not free (~$3) before 5pm, so make sure you pay for parking or you could get a $60 ticket. Another tip for those looking for outside gyms: always ask about student discounts! Plenty of gyms around the area offer deals, making sure you can stay fit without breaking the bank.
Stay Active with Sports
If the gym still isn’t your thing, playing sports is another great way to stay fit. Sports are a great way to stay active and can be more enjoyable with friends. Our MSA class has been quite active as we have Slack channels for many different sports/activities such as basketball, soccer, pickleball, golf, hiking, and more to know each other better, have fun, and stay active!
For those more interested in organized sports, joining an intramural (IM) team is a great option. IM sports are a great way to play your favorite games and even try out new ones with friends. There’s a wide variety of IM sports available, so there’s something for everyone. Plus, with so many active individuals in the IAA, forming a team is easy. As a graduate student, this could be your last chance to play school-organized sports, so don’t miss out!
Eat Well, Live Well
Eating healthy can feel like a challenge, especially with a busy schedule, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to find easy ways to make better diet choices. And no, that doesn’t mean you have to eat salads every meal. Focus on preparing balanced meals at home. Cooking your own meals is not only healthier but cheaper than eating out every day. While it can feel intimidating if you’re not used to cooking, there is a plethora of beginner-friendly recipes on the internet. After a few tries, you’ll be cooking meals you never thought possible.
To make cooking at home more affordable, consider shopping at budget-friendly stores such as Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe’s. These stores have great quality items at reasonable prices, allowing you to stay healthy while saving money. For the times when cooking isn’t an option, opt for smaller, local restaurants over fast-food chains. Many local restaurants offer meals that are fresher, with higher-quality ingredients, often at prices comparable to fast food.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, especially with the pressure of a graduate program. It can get overwhelming with all the deadlines so it’s important to take breaks while you work. Grabbing a snack or taking a short walk can alleviate some stress and allow for clearer thinking when you return to the computer.
Socializing with others is important to maintaining mental health. Although your schedule may be busy, it’s important to have that balance between work and leisure. Spending time with friends and enjoying your hobbies can significantly boost your mood and is entirely attainable. For those moments where stress feels unmanageable, the IAA has wonderful coaches who are there to support you.
Most importantly, make sure you sleep. It’s easy to sacrifice sleep when you have a big workload in front of you, but it’s important for your physical and mental health to rest. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep every night to keep your brain sharp and your mood stable.
Incorporating these changes into your lifestyle can significantly improve your physical and mental well-being during your time at the IAA. While it can feel difficult to adjust to all these changes at once, managing your time wisely and creating a routine will make it much easier. Prioritizing your health now will set you up for long-term success as you carry these habits into the future. After all, the saying goes, “health is wealth!”
Columnist: Kush Bansal