By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Whether it is lifting weights after class, eating a serving of fruits at the dining hall, or walking to the convenience store, students make time to practice healthy habits.
These practices allow students to get into the swing of things while shaping a new routine centered around productivity and wellness.
For communication major Dejavon Morrett, a sophomore, maintaining health habits is incorporated into his diet and routine.
“I have a daily intake of fruits and vegetables incorporated in my three meals per day,” Morrett said.
Morrett, who is a defensive back for the football team, is dedicated to his fitness regimen. Whether it is 5 a.m. team conditioning or lifting at the gym, Morrett has crafted his own recipe for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Morrett said, “I work out six to seven days a week in some capacity, whether that’s lifting or practice or games.”
Physical and mental health routines are extensively practiced on campus as well. Nursing major Kelsey Beas, a senior, said that she prioritizes her mental health and sleep.
Beas said that she puts emphasis on her sleep due to its importance for her to operate throughout her day.
According to Cornell Health, college students require between seven and nine hours of sleep every night to prevent daytime drowsiness, weight gain, poor health, low energy and altered mood states throughout the day.
Beas said that instead of letting outside stressors and inconveniences cloud her mind she “vents everything” to her friends.
Beas relies on her support systems of friends and family to maintain her mental health as well as her own schedule to prevent burnout.
“I have people that check up on me, and I also take mental health breaks when I need them,” Beas said.
Computer science major Breena Batz, a freshman, said that most of her physical activity is done through navigating campus.
Batz said, “I try to stay active, and that is mostly through walking to my classes every day.”
Students have also traded out old habits for new ones that yield health benefits.
“I try to walk everywhere instead of driving all the time,” Beas said. “I also try not to order DoorDash too much.”
Every student has a unique motivation for adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Along with Morrett’s obligation as a student-athlete, he said he places a high value on his health and overall well-being.
“It is important for me to feel good and keep my body in shape, so I can live as long as possible,” Morrett said.
Other students implement a healthy lifestyle to fuel their involvement. Psychology major Kash William, a junior, wears many hats at the university.
William is a cheerleader, dancer for the Caribbean Student Association and desk attendant for Recreation & Fitness.
While William has a very demanding lifestyle that keeps her active and in shape, she said she would not have it any other way.
“It is important for me to stay active because I don’t wanna be lazy,” William said. “When you’re lazy, you don’t get anything done.”
By having multiple responsibilities, William said she maintains productivity and commits to her rigorous schedule. Along with staying busy, William’s lifestyle also boosts her mental health by stimulating her social connections and happiness.
Through occupying many capacities in various departments, William said she is able to “build a sense of community” and network.
Willam said this fulfills her passion of meeting new people, interacting with others and building new connections.
In addition to managing many roles, students also have to balance their classes and course load. Morrett said that he is able to juggle his education and commit to his workout routine through personal determination and consistency.
“When it comes to fitness, there isn’t an excuse on how to balance,” Morrett said. “It’s something you fit into your day as a day-to-day necessity.”
Morrett said that a step in creating a healthy routine starts with replacing downtime with activities.
“At some point of the day, you are sitting down and relaxing when you could go on a walk or jog,” Morrett said.
While many students have locked down on a routine that works for them, those that want to start their fitness or health journey can find an activity or regimen that works for them.
“Fitness and health come in all forms, so your journey doesn’t have to be the same as everyone else,” Morrett said, “but it is essential for you to find your purpose and what you love to do.”
For students that want to get involved or create a fitness plan, visit SCSU Recreation to find resources and upcoming events.
VOL. 64- ISSUE 5
