March Resource Post: Healthy Habits

Hey AVSSU! Welcome to another special edition of Wellness Wednesday on a Thursday!
Our theme this month is healthy habits. In the past we’ve given resources regarding a lot of subjects on which it’s important to develop habits, so this month will touch on how to develop these habits.
The core of healthy habits is routine. Doing something as simple as eating at the same times each day help your body relax, process food better, and sleep better. That brings me to my next point, as a regular sleep schedule is critical to health in every form. A lack of routine perpetuates in a cycle, so here are some tips to reset that cycle to help you:
Focus on one thing to keep as a routine. You already have your classes as a regular occurrence, so if you struggle with attendance, double down on getting to class. If that’s hard because of your sleep schedule, backtrack the issues one step at a time. Eating a large meal less than two hours before bed can keep you from getting restful sleep, so it may be a good idea to eat dinner four hours before bed (in which case a snack before sleeping is okay).
Source: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/ask-a-health-expert/is-it-true-i-shouldnt-eat-one-hour-before-bed/article550198/
If you’re in a position (like me some weeks) where regular meals are not a thing for you, you can try an Apple, Chrome, or Google Store app for meal reminders. I have the times written in my calendar. I also try to go to the gym around the same time each time I go so that my internal clock has a better sense of when to be tired (ideally nighttime).
As for what you’re eating for these meals, UofT has something called the Student Kitchen where you can find tips on nutrition and preparation (team meal prep all the way). http://ueat.utoronto.ca/the-student-kitchen/
Don’t take the food pyramid too seriously though, as it comes from eco-political ties to dairy and grain industries. Read this for more: https://www.vox.com/2015/12/15/10220358/food-guidelines-around-the-world)
You can also check out the UofT Student Life email for more ways to feel more secure, such as academic help (http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/asc), social connection (http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/connect), and wellness tips (http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/bewell)
The most important aspect of developing healthy habit is that you enjoy them. This is MUCH easier said than done in university life, but starting with food and exercise, you can pick healthy foods you enjoy and exercises you enjoy. Then the habits will form and you can try new things to enjoy.
Until next time, AVSSU! Stay well!