In NutriSoc (the Nutrition Society) we focus on food, health, and well-being, which are three components that are critical in everyone’s lives. Although we are a Departmental Society, we welcome students from all courses as we believe it’s important for everyone to gain knowledge on nutrition.
In the past we have carried out events such as a Pizza and Quiz Night and a Nutrition Night where we discussed the dark side of diet trends and how it’s more important to focus on balance as opposed to extremes in our diets, such as restricting ourselves of certain foods.
Speaking of balance, as students we are all very busy, with deadlines looming, societies to attend and friends to meet up with. This makes it easy to forget to prioritise other areas of our lives such as our mental, physical and spiritual health. So, here are some tips that you can add into your daily routine to make sure that you are looking after yourself.
1. Try to maintain a balanced diet and drink more water
Firstly, it’s important to have regular meals throughout the day, which keeps our energy levels up, allowing us to remain focused when studying.
Secondly, carrying a water bottle with you is essential to prevent dehydration, as it has been proven that even a mild form of dehydration can compromise our ability to be concentrated and productive.
Thirdly, it is recommended to incorporate as many fruits and vegetables as you can into your diet – aim for 5 different ones and a variety of colours! (e.g., add a banana to cereal in the morning or add some frozen vegetables to pasta at dinner).
Finally, go for wholegrain options when you can, such as wholemeal bread and brown rice as these keep us feeling fuller for longer.
2. Incorporate daily movement
It can be difficult to fit in time for exercise, but exercise has so many benefits for both our physical and mental health, so aim to make it a priority in your daily routine.
Perhaps try going for a quick walk on a study break and maybe even listen to a podcast (some great health related podcasts are the Food Medic, the Diary of a CEO, Delicious Ways to Feel Better and Happy Place).
You could also join a Sports Society as the University has many to offer ranging from dance to rugby.
If you enjoy exercising with others, I recommend a visit to the Sports Park, as they offer a variety of services such as the gym, group fitness classes and a swimming pool!
3. Get more sleep
As students, we often can neglect our sleep, but it really is a vital component for our overall well-being. According to the NHS, 6 to 9 hours of sleep are recommended to maintain our well-being.
To meet this target, it is recommended to keep a regular schedule for waking up and going to bed as this enables our body clock to adapt to a routine.
Also, try to unwind before bed by doing some yoga, reading a book or making your to do list for the following day. I personally mind that making a to do list before bed helps me to feel calmer and in control of the day ahead.
Lastly, do your best to not use any devices one hour before bed as the blue light they transmit makes it harder to get to sleep. I admit that this is easier said than done, but make small changes over time e.g., try to get off your phone 15 minutes before bed, then 30 minutes…etc.
4. Ensure to take time to rest and look after your mental health.
University life can sometimes be difficult and stressful; therefore, we need to make sure that we are doing what we can to protect our mental health.
Some practices you could incorporate into your daily routine include mindfulness exercises like meditation, colouring and drawing.
It’s also recommended to get outside in nature as this helps us to feel calm and relaxed (some great walking spots in Guildford are the lake on Stag Hill campus, the Mount and Stoke Park).
Also remember that if you need mental health support, you can contact the Centre for Wellbeing on campus, the University Health Centre or start free talking therapy with the NHS. You are not alone and there is always someone who will be there to support you.
In summary, I hope the above tips have been helpful to you and incorporating just a few of them into your day will be beneficial for your overall health.
If you enjoy nutrition or you are interested in learning more, we would love to have you as a member!
We are holding an upcoming event with a company called “Athletic” on the 21st of February at 6pm at Hari’s Bar where we will be discussing Sports Nutrition tips. “Athletic” will also be providing some free samples of their food, so if you would like to come along, you are more than welcome!
If you would like to keep updated with future events, give us a follow on our Instagram @nutrisocsurrey
Credits:
Created with an image by JillWellington - "vegetables garden harvest"