When fall hits there is a flurry of activity, and many places for you to be. It is all too easy for students who may be unfamiliar with the routines of their new school (not to mention a new culture and country!) to skimp on adequate sleep, forgo exercise, and eat junk food. Others may gorge on pop and soda instead of water. But having a poor health regimen as a student in Burnaby will lead to problems as the year goes on, and you may pay a price with your academic achievements. Here are some tips to keep you on track so you’ll excel in this school year and for many years to come!
Stay Away from Fast Food
While checking out the local McDonald’s may be tempting, especially if you are on the run, keep those visits to the occasional treat. Instead, visit one of Burnaby’s many neighbourhood green grocers for healthy snacks to eat throughout the day. Baby carrots, mini cucumbers and sliced yellow peppers make great snacks to munch on and they don’t require refrigeration – making them an ideal backpack snack. Pair them with some hummus (store-bought or homemade) for a hit of protein on the run.
Get Into the Kitchen
If you are residing with a homestay family, ask your homestay parent if you’re able to do some baking in the kitchen. There are amazing recipes online for protein-packed healthy backpack snacks like granola bars, energy balls and other delicious treats that will keep you going. Make sure the recipes call for protein-rich ingredients, such as seeds or seed butters. Check your school policy on nuts as there are some schools are completely nut-free due to some students’ severe allergies to them. Regardless of what you choose, your homemade snacks will keep you energized after school, to last you through your band practice, or school play rehearsal – whichever activities you choose as a student in Burnaby!
Keep the Water Bottle Handy
Unfortunately pop and “energy drinks” are easy to access and some students reach for them to get a quick “pick-me-up”. Unfortunately, all these drinks do is give you a quick energy burst, only to be followed by an energy slump later. Water is the best option for hydration, health, and your pocketbook. Fill up your reusable water bottle throughout the day and make your water tastier by adding sliced strawberries or cucumber to your bottle!
Practise Good “Sleep Hygiene”
While it may be tempting to pull an “all-nighter” when studying for a big test or preparing for a project, try to organise your time so that you are going to bed, more or less, at the same time each night. Your body will thank you for it.
And Don’t Forget to Exercise
There are tons of opportunities to get into sports and recreation in the city of Burnaby. And being known as the “city of parks”, there are many places to let off some steam. Be sure to get active on one of your school’s sports teams, or at your local community centre. A healthy body and a healthy mind are your best bets for academic success this year!
