Lifestyle Archives - DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

It’s tempting to fall into unhealthy habits but having a balanced lifestyle is the key to a vibrant college life.

One enters college with an abundance of excitement, hope, and the most fun of them all, freedom. While this freedom provides opportunities for growth, it also brings with it a sense of carelessness. When you’re no longer answerable to Mom, you let loose. In most college students, this leads to the rise of some unhealthy habits. Being able to stay in bed and Zomato all the time may seem like a dream come true at first, but it inevitably invites problems.

However, that is not the only factor that could lead to the development of an unhealthy lifestyle. It’s also easy to feel so drowned in assignments, society work, or internships that there’s no room left for exercise or any hobbies for that matter. After a hectic college day, there is nothing more inviting than your bed. With an episode of your current binge and some pizza on the side. This becomes a routine that’s hard to break out of.

The appeal of the taste of fast food is not the only thing that has kept me in the habit of ordering in almost every night. It’s also very convenient to not have to prep or cook meals. It feels like a quick fix after a long day.” -Vansh, a second-year student

Moreover, “broke college student” is a famous phrase for a reason. When short on budget, cooking the same instant ramen pack a few different ways to get through the week is appealing. Thus, many factors contribute to the rise of unhealthy eating habits in college students. Another major problem is that of little to no exercise. It’s difficult to make time for a regular routine. The norm of going late to bed and having to wake up early for morning classes keeps one in the cycle of feeling tired throughout the day. Pulling all-nighters consistently and then drinking tons of coffee to survive, skipping meals, and not exercising are therefore common elements of a college student’s lifestyle. The allure of it all is heavy. But this lifestyle is unfortunately not sustainable. How do we beat it?

It’s important to start at the fundamental level and correct your basics. Build your day around a healthy sleep schedule, eat at the right time, and start incorporating at least some exercise throughout the week. As cliché as this might sound, your elders are correct. Doing this will significantly improve your quality of life and help you focus better on your goals. You don’t need some rigid instruction table to help you achieve all of this. Start slow and be soft with yourself. It’s also okay to maintain some flexibility. You do not need to cut Netflix or McDonald’s out of your life (duh, how could we ever?). Just practice moderation with it.

After college hours, it feels unsafe for me to travel to and from a gym in the city. So, I’ve made it a point to wake up a little extra early in the mornings to do yoga. This way I get some exercise done every single day.” -Gauri, a second-year student at KNC.

While waking up early is definitely not the best suit for many of us, here are some things that you can do to start living a better and healthier life. When you get hunger pangs at odd hours, have fruits for snacks instead of reaching for a packet of chips. They’re yummy and healthy, plus super convenient to grab. Replace your caffeinated beverages with better alternatives that also serve as a refresher, such as milkshakes. When you do need to order in, pick healthier options as opposed to fast foods. For exercises, try to include movement in the little day-to-day tasks. Walk around on your study break instead of sitting in bed. Take the stairs instead of elevators wherever possible (the metro station!). Discover a safe road/park near you and go for the occasional walk while on the phone with family or friends.

There are innumerable little ways you could create a better lifestyle for yourself. Making conscious choices regarding nutrition and exercise will take care of you both physically and mentally, improving academic performance and overall quality of life. Pave the way for a balanced and fulfilling college experience that sets you up for success in the long run. Cheers to doing better.

Featured image source: Seventeen Magazine

Additional image source: Pinterest

Arshiya Pathania

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Arts & Culture

Netflix and Nap: A Tempestuous Allure

By DU Beat April 11, 2022

It’s tempting to fall into unhealthy habits, but a balanced lifestyle is the key to a vibrant college life.

One enters college with an abundance of excitement, hope, and the most fun of them all, freedom. While this freedom provides opportunities for growth, it also brings with it a sense of carelessness. When you’re no longer answerable to Mom, you let loose. In most college students, this leads to the rise of some unhealthy habits. Being able to stay in bed and Zomato all the time may seem like a dream come true at first, but it inevitably invites problems.

However, that is not the only factor that could lead to the development of an unhealthy lifestyle. It’s also easy to feel so drowned in assignments, society work, or internships that there’s no room left for exercise or any hobbies for that matter. After a hectic college day, there is nothing more inviting than your bed. With an episode of your current binge and some pizza on the side. This becomes a routine that’s hard to break out of.

“The appeal of the taste of fast food is not the only thing that has kept me in the habit of ordering in almost every night. It’s also very convenient to not have to prep or cook meals. It feels like a quick fix after a long day.” -Vansh, a second-year student

Moreover, “broke college student” is a famous phrase for a reason. When short on budget, cooking the same instant ramen pack a few different ways to get through the week is appealing. Thus, many factors contribute to the rise of unhealthy eating habits among college students. Another major problem is that of little to no exercise. It’s difficult to make time for a routine. The norm of going late to bed and having to wake up early for morning classes keeps one in the cycle of feeling tired throughout the day. Pulling all-nighters consistently and then drinking tons of coffee to survive, skipping meals, and not exercising are therefore common elements of a college student’s lifestyle. The allure of it all is heavy. But this lifestyle is unfortunately not sustainable. How do we beat it?

It’s important to start at the fundamental level and correct your basics. Build your day around a healthy sleep schedule, eat at the right time, and start incorporating at least some exercise throughout the week. As cliché as this might sound, your elders are correct. Doing this will significantly improve your quality of life and help you focus better on your goals. You don’t need some rigid instruction table to help you achieve all of this. Start slow and be soft with yourself. It’s also okay to maintain some flexibility. You do not need to cut Netflix or McDonald’s out of your life (duh, how could we ever?). Just practice moderation with it.

“After college hours, it feels unsafe for me to travel to and from a gym in the city. So, I’ve made it a point to wake up a little extra early in the mornings to do yoga. This way I get some exercise done every single day.” -Gauri, a second-year student at KNC.

While waking up early is definitely not the best suit for many of us, here are some things that you can do to start living a better and healthier life. When you get hunger pangs at odd hours, have fruits for snacks instead of reaching for a packet of chips. They’re yummy and healthy, plus super convenient to grab. Replace your caffeinated beverages with better alternatives that also serve as a refresher, such as milkshakes. When you do need to order in, pick healthier options as opposed to fast foods. For exercise, try to include movement in the little day-to-day tasks. Walk around on your study break instead of sitting in bed. Take the stairs instead of elevators wherever possible (the metro station maybe?). Discover a safe road/park near you and go for the occasional walk while on the phone with family or friends.

There are innumerable little ways you could create a better lifestyle for yourself. Making conscious choices regarding nutrition and exercise will take care of you both physically and mentally, improving academic performance and overall quality of life. Pave the way for a balanced and fulfilling college experience that sets you up for success in the long run. Cheers to doing better!

Featured Image Source: Pinterest

Arshiya Pathania

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Importance of Breakfast on the Exam Day

By DU Beat May 5, 2019

Last minute revision and examination stress becomes overwhelming. This often leads to skipping some of the vital things of our daily routine, breakfast being the simplest option. Breakfast is the most important meal and is very essential to get ready to write exams. It can even help you improve your grades by increasing concentration and giving energy for this mental marathon.

We all have been gripped by the exam fever and the last moment preparation is almost inevitable. Getting ready for the exam at 9 A.M, and fretting over the last minute revision, feeding our body would be the last thing that would cross our minds. But you can increase your endurance for this mental marathon and in turn stand a fair chance to improve your grades through a simple way- by not skipping breakfast on the exam day.

Breakfast comes as the meal after the longest interval without food; therefore, breakfast seems to influence metabolism more strongly than lunch or dinner. Failing to break your fast with a meal shortly after rising might strain your body. Hence, the right food and drink can energise your system, improve your alertness, and sustain you through the long exam hours.

According to a research conducted by Harvard Medical School, breakfast is the best time to get complex carbohydrates and fibre. In fact, if you don’t start out right at breakfast, you will find it hard or even impossible to get the fibre you need.

An equally important thing is to stay hydrated to maximise concentration. Dehydration can make you feel drowsy and can reduce your attentiveness in the examination hall. Drink plenty of liquids before appearing for the exam.

Breakfast on exam day becomes pivotal as you need your concentration on your exam and not your hunger. Risking your breakfast just for the two minutes of extra revision can result in fatigue and have adverse consequences.

Now, for students living in PG and hostels, skipping breakfast is prudence, rather than waiting in the line to get it. Some quick fixes in such situation can be to have some brain boosting food which includes food high in protein and whole-grain cereal. Fruit platter, milk, boiled eggs, etc. are easy solutions.

The right food at the right time will prove to be the best tonic to handle anxiety and nervousness. To avoid the last minute hassle, plan your meals beforehand and don’t miss the morning breakfast. The right choices you make and some steps towards healthy lifestyle practices will surely help you perform better and, as a consequence, will improve your grades.

Feature Image Credits: Rishabh Gogoi for DU Beat

Sriya Rane

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DUB Speak

Nutrition for Students: A Narrative of Neglected Health?

By Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak August 7, 2018

Courtesy of a hectic schedule, many students fail to prioritize their health and reduce it to a secondary concern. In recent times, we have witnessed disturbing trends of unhealthy Blood Pressure levels, Diabetes and stomach infections among students. Here, we explore some healthy foods that would help keep you up and active all through the drudgery and toiling that studying in the University of Delhi (DU) necessitates.

Milk, Yogurt and Eggs

Low-fat dairy products can be extremely beneficial. Rich in proteins, Vitamins B and D, these foods offer nutrition on a budget. Vitamin D is imperative for the healthy growth of your brain. With the flavored variants of the aforementioned products so easily accessible, the required tastes can be incorporated to your own liking. Eggs are again, rich in proteins. A couple of eggs daily will improve your stamina.

Oats

It being possibly the most nutritious breakfast option, Oats are whole grains digested slowly by storing the energy for a long time. Moreover, it also provides vitamin B and fiber as well as potassium, zinc, and vitamin E, all of which are substantial to maintain a healthy brain.

Dry Fruits and Nuts

All nuts offer you brain fuel in the form of protein and both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Almonds help in improving retention, as is widely known. Walnuts on the other hand, are proven to be helpful in enhancing deductive reasoning. But in the sweltering heat that Indian summers offer, stick to only a palmful of nuts since eating nuts in excess may cause some problems.

Dark Green Vegetables and Beans

Spinach (shoutout to Popeye(s) out there!), broccoli and sprouts provide you with folate, an important element that improves the functioning of the brain. Beans also, for that matter, offer you magnesium, Vitamin B, protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Rich in antioxidants and omega-3s, kidney beans are highly recommended. So, bring on the Rajma–Chawal (a popular vegetarian dish consisting of kidney beans served with boiled rice).

Fruits

Finally, yet importantly, fruits are easily the best sources of all nutrients. It is no wonder then that the saying ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ has gained such wide currency. Fruits are low in fat, sodium, and calories and none have cholesterol. Fruits are sources of many essential nutrients that are under-consumed, including potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid). Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Also, due to the easy accessibility of fruits around the corner of your Paying Guest accommodation (PG) or in the markets, these become very feasible nutritionists. Bite into an apple or a banana or a pear and you are instantly charged. Come winters and the season of oranges, the citric kings can be the ideal basking-in-the-sun food.

The mounting assignments, notes, reasoning and writing will leave you exhausted! But the idea of prioritizing your health should never be secondary. Give yourself the nourishment you need and also, the proper sleep. Keep yourself active and exercise too. Go out for a walk or a run daily. Do not skip meals at all! Keep true to a balanced diet, replete with pulses and the like. Follow simple diet plans, and you will never be left swooning, at least not due to starvation!

Feature Image Credits: gethere.fitnessfirst

Kartik Chauhan

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DUB Speak

Keeping Up with the Body

By DU Beat November 19, 2017

Truthfully, I am one of those people who would actually go back home when the gym trainer says, “Go hard or go home.” So, any sort of advice from me regarding being healthy almost seems comedic. Yet, my first three months in college have made me realise, if anything, the essence of proper diet and exercise, thanks to the hours I have spent on gobbling masala maggi and honey-chilly potatoes. Through my horrible experience of food poisoning, I have realized the need to take control of my health through the following ways.

“Fruits are a collegiate’s best friend” ~ Marilyn Monroe

Just kidding. Marilyn Monroe didn’t actually say that. You caught me there, but fruits are definitely going to be your well-wishers throughout college life if not others. You can carry bananas, apples, oranges, and guavas to college easily, and if you have the time, you can create for yourself a fruit chaat. Moreover, you can locate the nearest fruit vendor to your college and grab your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. It might not seem exciting at first, but it really helps. Also, have you ever tried guavas with chili powder and chaat masala?

Running away from aerated drinks

I am sure your mom has told you how Coke and Pepsi are good pesticides and you have laughed it out. Well, it turns out our moms are right. These aerated drinks have so much sugar that we might just as well welcome diabetes with open arms. One can really save themselves by finding healthy substitutes. In this case, locate the nearest juice corner to your college and make it your regular hangout spot. You’ll not just get rid of sodas from your diet, but fresh fruit juice is healthy and on top of that, you get a good hangout spot to discuss the recent episode of Bigg Boss.

Healthy fast food? Is that possible?

While it is true, you’ll have to let go of Maggi, honey-chilli potatoes, and momos if you wish to remain healthy, but you can still savor your taste buds by scouting for potentially healthy fast foods. While 100% healthy is not guaranteed, you can minimise the intake of flour and bloating-inducing spices. Subway is a great option as it allows you to create your own subs. Moreover, rather than eating at fast food chains or eateries, you can opt for cafes and restaurants. Idlis at any South Indian restaurant or steamed rice at a Chinese restaurant are healthy, wholesome, and tasty options.

Emergency eating

While you’re trying to eat healthily, your friends will still meet at Maggi point and eat burgers at McDonalds. How do you help yourself? Well, if at certain times when you’re really craving the greasy fast food, you should opt for the healthier variant. Opt for a McVeggie instead of a McAloo Tikki. Opt for a vegetable Maggi instead of the masala one. It might not be dramatically healthy but it avoids the guilt to a certain extent.

CHIPS!

No, chips are not my next how-to-eat-healthy advice.

Chips are a regular snack for a collegiate and honestly, there is no one on this planet who would refuse them, if offered. But, obviously, they are your biggest enemy if you call them your staple diet. So, if you really love potatoes and wish to eat healthy, you must make french fries yourself. Not only are healthier than packaged chips but, they’ll also remind you of your mom back home. Also, try to develop a taste for banana chips, they can be a delicious snack.

Dry Fruits

No, sire, they are not just meant to be given as Diwali gifts. Dried Fruits are loaded with micronutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. They are highly nutritious and salted ones are no less than your favourite Haldiram’s namkeen. If you haven’t heard about them already, you should try salted ‘makhane’. They are just like popcorn.

Other than the above-mentioned directions, it is equally important to exercise. A 30-minute workout can do wonders for your body and your mental health too. Also, water! Drink lots of water. It’ll help eliminate all the toxins and wastes from your body. This list is not meant to be exhaustive and it is your creativity to create healthy meals and snacks for yourself, but the general guideline is to avoid packaged items and fast food to make your college life free from regular visits to the washroom between lectures.

Feature Image Credits: iTunes, Connect Colony, YouTube, Remote Traveller

Graphic by Varoon Tuteja for DU Beat

Varoon Tuteja

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