CONTRIBUTOR'S CORNER– LEADING A BALANCED LIFESTYLE WHILE IN COLLEGE
ALEXANDRA GUIMARAES
Disclaimer: This article is the opinion of the author and does not reflect the opinion of the Student Consultants, Student Academic and Career Services, or the College of Business and Economics.
When I transferred to Towson University from my school back home in Panama, I strongly believed that it would be easy as pie to maintain a balance in my life in this new environment, and to be honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was not only dealing with an enormous cultural shock, but I was truly struggling with maintaining a healthy life through my first couple of months here at Towson.
So what is balance? Balance to me, is being satisfied mentally, spiritually, and physically. Mentally, I was being challenged by new professors, new classes and new ways of learning. This was very exciting and scary at the same time. In the beginning I worried too much about my grades, which elevated my stress level. Spiritually, I felt confident and strong, like it was my fuel to get up in the morning. I had all the support of my loved ones and that kept me going. Physically is where it all came crashing down. According to my past self I “had no time to work out” I was too busy to take that time for myself. Every night I felt exhausted, ill sometimes, and mostly stressed. I was completely disconnected from my body.
After Spring Break, I said enough. I started making time for myself, regardless of the consequences, which included fewer hours of sleep. I now focused on being healthy before worrying too much about anything in particular. I started working out several times a week and changed my eating habits which improved my overall quality of life. I felt rested, energized and motivated. These changes lead to a huge improvement in my academic performance and friendships. It changed my whole outlook about my future years at Towson.
My advice to all of you is to seek that balance in your life. Take the high road, because anybody can take the easy road. It is easier to cram for a test the night before, but your mind doesn’t deserve that. It is easier to focus on meaningless relationships, but your soul craves deeper engagement with your family and friends. It is easier to eat junk food and not exercise, but your body needs healthier habits to function properly. Make the time for yourself, and when you achieve that balance, your own body will thank you for it, like mine thanked me. Laugh as much as you want, sing like nobody is listening and simply be happy.
So what is balance? Balance to me, is being satisfied mentally, spiritually, and physically. Mentally, I was being challenged by new professors, new classes and new ways of learning. This was very exciting and scary at the same time. In the beginning I worried too much about my grades, which elevated my stress level. Spiritually, I felt confident and strong, like it was my fuel to get up in the morning. I had all the support of my loved ones and that kept me going. Physically is where it all came crashing down. According to my past self I “had no time to work out” I was too busy to take that time for myself. Every night I felt exhausted, ill sometimes, and mostly stressed. I was completely disconnected from my body.
After Spring Break, I said enough. I started making time for myself, regardless of the consequences, which included fewer hours of sleep. I now focused on being healthy before worrying too much about anything in particular. I started working out several times a week and changed my eating habits which improved my overall quality of life. I felt rested, energized and motivated. These changes lead to a huge improvement in my academic performance and friendships. It changed my whole outlook about my future years at Towson.
My advice to all of you is to seek that balance in your life. Take the high road, because anybody can take the easy road. It is easier to cram for a test the night before, but your mind doesn’t deserve that. It is easier to focus on meaningless relationships, but your soul craves deeper engagement with your family and friends. It is easier to eat junk food and not exercise, but your body needs healthier habits to function properly. Make the time for yourself, and when you achieve that balance, your own body will thank you for it, like mine thanked me. Laugh as much as you want, sing like nobody is listening and simply be happy.
