The transition from school to varsity is a time of great excitement and self-discovery, however it can also be a time of stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Between forging new friendships, navigating the maze that is campus and balancing academics with a decent social life, it is understandable that so many students’ physical health is compromised. It is therefore a good idea to cultivate healthy habits from very first year of university. This will set the tone for UP students’ overall well-being for years to come.
UP provides numerous options for students to live an active lifestyle, such as its sports department, TuksSport, as well as the Sport, Exercise, Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI). Their vision includes working to promote health and well-being. Furthermore, there are jogging routes throughout campus for those who prefer their space while working out. The Hillcrest campus is close to most residences and offers an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in activities like soccer, rugby, swimming, rock climbing, tennis and squash. The three gyms on the campus, SEMLI Biokinetics, Sport Science Gym and TUKSgym, are available for students to use, at an affordable cost. Residences also organise teams to compete in “friendlies” against each other, providing physical exercise and social interaction.
An additional part of both physical and mental health is dealing with stress and establishing effective coping mechanisms. Dr Linda Blokland, a clinical psychologist and head of the Student Counselling Unit, told PDBY that students should discover and utilise the “exciting opportunities” and “useful resources” to combat stress and to “get to know the people and the institution”.
“regular physical activity might influence cognitive development”
For students struggling to cope with the mental strain of university, UP has a Student Counselling Unit (SCU) with professional clinical, counselling, and educational psychologists providing services on every campus. Sessions are free and confidential. Additionally, the SCU partners with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) through a 24/7 call line dedicated to UP students and staff. A Peer Support Group project called #UPliftUP invites students to join peer groups of students who meet regularly at advertised times and venues. Blokland added that those with a “known medical or psychological condition” which influences students’ studying capacity should visit either the Disability Unit or the SCU to find out how UP may assist with accomplishing their academic goals. Roy Shepard in “Habitual physical activity and academic performance”, suggests that physical exercise can positively impact a student’s studies as “regular physical activity might influence cognitive development”.
Adequate sleep is another important aspect of cementing a healthy lifestyle. Alex Dimitriu, author of online magazine “Psychology Today”, lists several tips for improving the quantity and quality of sleep which include exercising earlier in the day – not several hours before bedtime, avoiding caffeine in the morning, adhering to a sleep schedule as well as avoiding technology and alcohol at night.
Hydration is another underrated yet essential health tip. According to “Harvard Health”, drinking water carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, flushes bacteria, aids digestion and optimises brain functioning. Stay hydrated, by bringing water bottles along to campus.
“Adequate sleep is another important aspect of cementing a healthy lifestyle”
Blokland suggests that stress is an “almost unavoidable aspect” of the transition process from school to university however it does not need to be “overwhelming” and there are resources available to help students deal with stress. She notes that stress can be “harnessed to drive yourself forward” and advises students to view it as “a healthy inner resource”. In a study conducted by Ansari, Khalil and Stock, “stress management programs” were suggested as a possible way to alleviate student-related anxieties. This can range from meditation to exercising a positive outlook on stress itself. Blokland also told PDBY that students should develop their resilience, stay on top of the workload, set and maintain clear priorities, create a balanced timetable that incudes rest periods and meaningful socialisations, stay in touch with support systems and “take time out for constructive self-care”. This is often specific to the individual and can range from partaking in hobbies, outdoors activities or spending time with new friends. Finally, Blokland reminds first-year students to “reach out, engage and participate” in varsity life to make the most of this life changing experience and opportunity.
TIFFANY SMITH
Image: Kawin Harasai- www.unsplash.com
