Get Off to a Healthy Start this School Year!
Summer really tends to fly by, doesn’t it? It seems like we were just winding down at the end of spring term, and here we are again – students are back, the weather is notably cooler, the trees are starting to change, and fall sports are in action. Personally, I love fall – and I know I’m not alone. But with fall, we often find that we now have less free time than we did these past 2-3 months. The arrival of fall may mean new or greater responsibilities at work, a busier schedule at home, and that feeling like there’s just not enough time on the weekend. And this can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed, and quite simply, stressed out.
As the fall season ramps up, don’t let those obligations at work and home derail the positive and healthy changes you may have made this summer when time was a little easier to come by. Here are some suggestions for keeping stress under control, and getting fall off to a healthy start:
Keep up your activity level. The shorter days may make it more challenging to get out and bike or kayak in the evenings, but make it a priority to stay as active as you can. Exercise is a great way to help manage stress and boost your confidence, not to mention how it positively impacts your general health and fitness. Take a walk with a co-worker over lunch or hit the Wellness Center to keep that activity level up.
Pack lunch and snacks from home. With the fresh fruits and vegetables in abundance in late summer, many of us find ourselves eating a little lighter this time of the year. Keep up the benefits of your healthier diet by prepping your lunch and some snacks the night before, so you don’t find yourself ordering delivery or snacking on chips and other convenience foods when you run short on time. Veggies and hummus, an apple with peanut butter, or even a piece of string cheese and a handful of nuts make for healthier snack options than most vending machines can provide.
Don’t short change yourself on sleep. Aim for 8 hours a night. And watch your caffeine intake, especially later in the day. I love coffee as much as the next person, but I’ve come to realize it’s not my friend after 3 pm if I want to get a decent night of sleep.
Get your flu shot this fall. Help protect yourself, your family and coworkers, and the Lawrence community by doing what you can to prevent the spread of influenza this school year.
Meet with me to discuss the results of your PHA. First of all, make sure you sign up for the PHA’s (happening the last week of September and first week of October.) A few days after your appointment, you’ll be able to complete the written portion on-line, and your results should be available nearly immediately afterwards. I’ll be reaching out to folks whose lab results indicate elevated blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol or PSA levels. But please contact me if you have any questions about your results, or would like to discuss how you might make changes that can improve your overall health and wellness.
Here’s to a healthy year ahead for all of us! Please reach out to me if you need anything.
Laurie Ehlers, RN, CDE
Lawrence University – RN Educator
Room 102, Memorial Hall
Phone: 920-832-7498; Laurie.ehlers@lawrence.edu