With the “Service, purpose, leadership” mantra engrained in every Wave’s sub-conscious from the very beginning of NSO, taking on many tasks and responsibilities seem to be a part of the job description as a Pepperdine student.
The lazy days of summer are but distant memories and the fabulous life of the overly committed Pepperdine student is now a reality.
When the coursework begins to pile up, schedules become full and there are not enough hours in the day or days in the week, being mindful of one’s health and overall well-being is yet one more chore added to the list.
However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a college student does not require as much time and effort as one might think.
By reevaluating one’s schedule and dedicating minutes (sometimes seconds) of the day to four different areas — fitness, nutrition, spirituality, and reflection — Pepperdine students can create a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
Keeping fit and staying active in college may be difficult at other universities, but Pepperdine’s unique mountainous campus is practically an outdoor gym. Of course there are shuttle services that can transport students around the hilly obstacles, but why use the shuttle as a detour in keeping active?
The many hills and stairs of Pepperdine are a golden opportunity to stay active and build some cardiovascular endurance while barely making any extra time commitments. In fact, the amount of time students wait for the shuttle to arrive is probably the same amount of time it takes to walk to class. With that in mind, ditch the shuttle and hike those CCB stairs to get a daily dose of cardio.
Trying to maintain an overly strict diet and constantly monitoring one’s eating habits can be obsessive and unnecessary when trying to make healthier eating choices. However, keeping a balanced diet and indulging in moderation is relatively easy with a few simple changes.
Pepperdine meal services offer students a variety of healthy substitutes for otherwise sugary and highly caloric snacks. The different eateries on campus offer veggie packs, fruit cups, salad, trail mix and whole grain alternatives. Instead of picking up a candy bar or a cookie for some late night Payson energy, opt for a piece of fruit or a whole grain snack for longer lasting natural energy.
Pepperdine is unique in comparison with other Christian universities because of the many diverse faith and spiritual outlets available on campus.
With different club convos, Bible studies, small groups and other faith-driven groups on campus, students are offered a plethora of opportunities to nourish their spirit when convenient for a busy schedule. Whether students prefer to grow spiritually in large groups or in intimate settings, the outlets are abundant.
Perhaps most importantly, it is crucial to allot certain moments of the day or week for personal reflection. Life can move so quickly, and to-do lists seem never ending, but students should take time for personal reflection upon the week’s events and activities.
Pepperdine’s scenic campus has many quiet spaces where individuals can retreat and reflect when life seems too overwhelming. Sparing a few moments a day or week for “me time” allows students to recharge and embrace the opportunity to simply breathe.
Being a Pepperdine Wave is a full time job in itself, but having a greater awareness of one’s physical and mental well-being can create an overall better college experience.
Why wait until after college is over to consider thinking about health? Simply reevaluating time and energy allotted to the four categories — fitness, nutrition, spirit, and reflection — can make an impact in creating a basis for a healthy life.
