Written by 9:56 pm Sports, Uncategorized

Health and Fitness: Stress Prevention

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.

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