Managing a demanding academic workload while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle can be difficult for students. Between attending classes, studying for exams, writing essays and participating in societies, finding time for fitness and healthy eating might seem nearly impossible. However, it is entirely possible to stay fit and healthy even with a packed schedule - and I’m here to help you with that.

Prioritise Physical Activity

Integrating exercise into your daily schedule doesn’t mean you have to commit long hours at the PEC. Short, effective workouts can be just as beneficial. Here are a few tips:

You can go on runs around the city without even needing a PEC membership and there are lots of running clubs to join, from the university's Athletics Club to the Elms running club, where you can meet other students also wanting to run. (Belfast Running Club, We Run Belfast and Ormeau Runners are other options!) 

Take advantage of any fitness classes or gym facilities available such as the ones hosted at the PEC or the BT1 accommodation gym. The university offers a free PEC membership to first years which you should really take good advantage of. With QUB Active Campus you can get involved in lots of free sports and events. Last year I attended an active campus netball match for free and had the best time and met lots of new lovely people, so always look on their Instagram for different sport events they are hosting.

Use study breaks as an opportunity to move. A quick walk, stretching, or a short workout can help boost your energy and focus. I love to walk around the Botanic Gardens after long study sessions in the McClay just to get some fresh air.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Eating healthy while balancing a busy schedule requires some planning. Here’s how to ensure you’re fuelling your body properly:

Dedicate a few hours each week to prepare meals in advance. Cook in bulk and store healthy options like salads, grain bowls, or lean proteins in the fridge. This way, you have nutritious meals ready to go, reducing the temptation to opt for less healthy fast food. I usually do a bulk buy at the Lisburn road Tesco each term and spend the first weekend at university cooking lots of healthy bulk meals to go into the fridge or freezer. It helps to save money and have meals always ready for days when you can’t be bothered to cook.

Keep healthy snacks, such as fruits, nuts, yogurt, or raisins in your bag to curb hunger between classes. This can help you avoid vending machine temptations. You can get some healthy snacks from the Pantry in the SU in between classes if you need to.

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health. Carry a water bottle with you and aim to drink water throughout the day. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking. Make sure to drink during all of your lectures to feel better.

Manage Stress Effectively

Academic pressures can significantly impact your mental health. It’s important to integrate stress-relief practices into your routine:

Physical activity is a proven stress reliever. Even short bursts of exercise at the PEC can help manage anxiety and improve mood.

Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your routine. These practices can help manage stress and improve concentration. We have a mental health and mindfulness office in the SU building which you can visit for any help with different mindfulness practices.

Prioritise getting enough sleep each night. Aim for 7-9 hours and establish a consistent sleep schedule. Quality sleep supports both mental and physical health. This can be hard for students who stay up late on nights out but you make sure to plan your nights out around your class schedule so that you aren’t burning yourself out.

Balance is Key

Balancing your academic responsibilities with a healthy lifestyle involves finding harmony between both areas. Here’s how to integrate fitness and health into your busy life:

Be flexible with your workout times. If you can’t stick to a strict schedule, adjust your workouts to fit around your academic commitments. I usually like to go to the PEC in the evenings to make sure it doesn’t clash with any of my classes.

Find ways to combine social activities with exercise. For example, joining sports societies or organising sports events with your friends such as a football match.

Staying fit and healthy as a student requires a thoughtful approach and some effort, but it is entirely achievable. By incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress effectively, staying motivated, and finding balance, you can support both your academic success and overall well-being. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements, so start with manageable adjustments and build from there.

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Charlotte Jennings  Politics and International Relations | Undergraduate Student | London, England I'm a Politics and International Relations student in my second year at Queen's. I am from London and currently live in student housing but lived in Elms BT9 last year. I love to be a busy person and am a member of multiple societies and teams at Queen's. I am also undertaking a charitable project at Queen's called the Zambia project where we host fundraisers in order to collect money and aid for our missionary trip to Zambia. In my spare time I teach water sports in Bangor and so far I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Belfast even though it is very different to London. I would highly recommend the university to anyone as I have had the best experience here so far and have fallen in love with this country.