Between attending classes, studying, socializing
with friends, and
balancing extra curricular activities, college students have a lot
to think about, in addition to maintaining healthy nutritional and
sleeping patterns. All of these factors, and others that vary from
person to person, can cause a lot of stress. According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.8% of men and
12.3% of women ages 18-24 report frequent mental distress – a
key indicator of depression and other mental disorders.
“It is important to find a healthy outlet that will decrease the
stress,” explains Debbie Lavigne, the head field hockey coach and
professor of the Essentials of Fitness and Wellness course. Stress
reducers include talking with friends, going to a movie, turning
off electronics or taking a nap. “You do not want to get sick,
which could add to your stress of you end up missing classes and
other activities,” said Lavigne.
Students at Conn have found that exercise is a great way to help
deal with stress, even if only temporarily. “The American College
of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes or cardiovascular
exercise 5 times a week,” said Lavigne, “with strength training
of 8-10 exercises each session 2 times per week.” This may seem
like a highly rigorous workout for a student who isn’t used to
exercising regularly, but setting a goal to reach this recommendation
could be a great goal to set for yourself.
Luckily, fitness classes are offered at Conn through the physical
education department. The classes are for students of all athletic
abilities and are designed to give students an organized outlet for
exercise. Sophomore Laura Sanderson is a student athlete who is
taking a fitness class with women’s soccer coach, Norm Riker.
“I would not normally get up at eight in the morning two days a
week, but fitness class motivates me to fit in a workout no matter
how early a get up it is. With fitness class already scheduled, you
have no excuse to take a day off.”
Sanderson also feels that her instructor makes a difference in
the course as well. “Not only does he spend time organizing and
planning our training each Monday and Wednesday mornings, but
he transfers his passion for fitness over to his student athletes,”
said Sanderson.
Lavigne’s class is also offered through the physical education
department. In the class, students keep a daily journal of their activity
including what they eat and how they are feeling physically
and emotionally. Junior Brittany Fitzgerald enjoys the class.
“We have learned a lot about the benefits of a healthy living
style and the benefits of working out, which reinforces our behav ior
and serves as a constant reminder that our actions, what we eat
and how we choose to work out have a direct effect on our physical,
mental and emotional well-being.” Fitzgerald also likes the
way that Lavigne teaches the class with “funny advertisements
and videos” to reinforce the course material.
Varsity athletes aren’t the only ones who use fitness to help
soothe stress. Freshman Ethan Underhill played football in
high school and tried rugby at Conn but wasn’t able to continue
because of head injuries. He finds that fitness is a great way to
manage stress.
“It helps me clear my mind of whatever pressures I’m facing at
the moment, and I always leave the gym feeling productive and
accomplished.”
As recommended, Underhill finds that long distance running is
the best exercise for eliminating stress. “Running on the track or
the treadmill is my go-to stress exercise because I just put on my
iPod and tune out. All of that diminishes stress significantly,” he
said.
Underhill also finds that lifting weights and cardio help him the
most when trying to eliminate stress. “Free weights keep me in
complete control of my workout, and I’ve always liked the challenge
that comes with getting the movement right.”
Eating nutritiously can also help stress levels. Students commonly
find that they can’t make it to a dining hall for every meal
of every day, but taking extra time to plan for meals can also
decrease stress. Lavigne recommends “your plate be filled with
foods of bright colors and include protein and carbs.” She also
suggests having snacks in your room, such as fruit, granola bars
or yogurt.
One of the most important components of nutrition is hydration,
but beware of sugary sports drinks. Although electrolytes
are important, it’s more beneficial for your muscles to have pure
water during a workout. Students should be drinking eight glasses
of pure water a day for maximum health. Keeping hydrated can
ward away headaches and illness, which can in turn help with
stress management.
Working out and staying healthy may seem like a daunting
goal, but it can tremendously help to budget time and keep
focused if your brain and body are active together. “The best way
to get the most out of your workout is to set goals and reward
yourself!” said Lavigne. Finding a workout buddy can also help
add some competitiveness and support into your workout.
As midterms approach, keep ahold of your stress by remembering
to take breaks from studying and try a change of venue.
Whether you’re taking a walk or running on a treadmill, exercise
is a great way to clear your head and regain focus throughout the
day. Not only can it help you become less stressed, it can improve
your health and make you feel better in general.