Hostel Health Hacks: Easy Tips for Nutrition and Exercise

Living in a hostel can be an exciting phase of life, offering independence, camaraderie, and collecting a heavy bag full of unforgettable memories. However, maintaining good health while juggling academics, social life, and a tight budget can be challenging at times. For students staying in hostels in Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, especially in premium options like FLH by Ahmedabad University, prioritizing health is essential for a fulfilling experience and seamless academic involvement.

Here are some practical healthy tips for hostel living, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits that might help to thrive in the Hostel Life.

Living Healthy in Hostels: Top Nutrition and Fitness Tips

(1) The Importance of Nutrition in Hostel Life

In hostels, meals often take a backseat to convenience, leading to unhealthy eating habits. Prioritizing balanced meals can make all the difference.

• Stock Up on Healthy Snacks

While the temptation to reach for chips or instant noodles is high, consider stocking up on healthier options such as, Fruits and Nuts: Which are easy to store and rich in nutrients. Also, one could stock Whole-grain biscuits or multi-grain biscuits as they would be perfect for those mid-study hunger pangs, one of a healthy and tasteful snack could be Muesli which is a great source of a lot of Dried Fruits, Seeds, Nuts, and Oats which help improve Immunity and Digestion.

• Go for Balanced Meals

If your hostel or PG offers meal plans, opt for balanced plates which consists of 50% vegetables or salads and try to consume 25% protein sources like dals, paneer, or eggs along with 25% carbohydrates like roti, rice, or quinoa, also try to consume Pulses regularly.

For students staying in luxurious PGs like FLH in Ahmedabad, the quality of meals is often better, but the same principle applies – choose variety and moderation.

• Cook Simple Meals

For those in a PG for boys or girls with access to a shared kitchen, cooking simple meals can be both beneficial and cost-effective so try dishes like stir-fried vegetables, ghee rice, or khichdi. Invest in portable kitchen gadgets like an electric kettle or rice cooker to expand your meal options and induction cooker might make cooking easier and also result as a cost-effective substitute.

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(2) Hydration: A Forgotten Necessity

We get that you have a pretty tight schedule ahead of you every day and Dehydration can lead to exhaustion and reduced focus, especially in Ahmedabad’s dry climate. Always keep a reusable water bottle handy and aim to drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily. Herbal teas and boiled water can add variety to your hydration routine.

(3) Exercise Ideas for Hostel Students

A deskbound lifestyle, driven by long study hours and binge-watching sessions, can take a toll on your health. Here are easy-to-follow exercise ideas:

• Use Limited Space Wisely

Even in the smallest hostel room, you can perform various healthy exercises and diverse forms of workout such as Bodyweight exercises like Push-ups, Squats, and Planks on other hand performing Yoga could also be beneficial to both body and mind so one could practice Yoga Poses like Surya Namaskar improves flexibility and strength, Kapalbhati which helps improving sleep quality and it also helps detoxifying the respiratory system and energize the body and it also helps treating colds and other infections so overall it could help your function better.

• Leverage Campus Facilities

For those at Ahmedabad University, the lush campus is perfect for you to go and have a session of morning jogs or evening walks also indulging in Outdoor sports can help body to stay active so one must join a group playing cricket, football, or badminton as there are commonly many groups playing such sports as the Ahmedabad university provides a vast area of space to play such sports.

• Fitness Apps and Online Classes

If you prefer structured workouts, apps like Nike Training Club or YouTube channels offer free tutorials. They provide various fitness levels and can be done in your hostel room also there are commonly many pre-installed apps in every company’s mobile phone such as Samsung has Samsung Health App and Apple also provides apps like Apple Health, these sorts of apps help to Track Sleep, Water, Foot-Steps, B.P and Oxygen Monitoring etc functions which could help in regularly tracking one’s health status.

(4) Build Healthy Habits

• Sleep Hygiene

Late-night study sessions are inevitable, but consistent sleep deprivation affects both mental and physical health so you should aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily or 45 hours of sleep weekly at least also you should create a bedtime routine, like listening to calming music, reading a book, or meditating before sleep which helps you clear your mind and along with that try to maintain a fixed bedtime. E.g.- Bedtime at 11:30 pm every day.

• Stress Management

Hostel life comes with its share of stress such as academic pressures, adjusting to roommates, or homesickness. Here are some suggestions that could help you handle stress; Practice mindfulness or meditation for a few minutes daily also try to keep up with your hobbies and interests and engage in your favourite hobbies like sketching, listening or creating music, writing or photography, and etc things also try to Connect with peers often, sharing concerns helps lighten the load and helps you clear your mind and helps you feel light hearted apart from that you must try to play games and indulge in fun activities with your buddies or watch some feel good movies with your group of friends.

• Social Well-being

Staying in a PG hostel can be lonely at times, so nurture friendships by Sharing meals or workouts with roommates as that might help to break the ice between you guys try to have day’s one meal together so you guys could keep up with each other’s daily lives and participating in hostel or university events might help you to expand your social circle so for the time you stay at hostel and study away from home you should try to make as many friends and contacts as you can.

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(5) Exploring Navrangpura: A Haven for Health-Conscious Students

Navrangpura, home to many students and professionals, offers plenty of healthy and luxurious lifestyle options.

• Cafes and Eateries

Explore cafes and restaurants that serve wholesome meals. Look for options with salads, wraps, or protein bowls to avoid greasy junk food also try to explore more areas of the city such as; Sindhu Bhavan Marg, Vastrapur Lake, CG Road, IIM Road, etc to better understand what areas suit your hobbies or food interests more.

• Fitness Centers

Navrangpura boasts several gyms and yoga studios. Whether you’re staying in a luxurious PG in Ahmedabad or a budget hostel, these fitness hubs can keep you active and help to maintain your workout routines and keep up with your healthy routine.

• Green Spaces

Take advantage of nearby parks for a morning jog or an evening walk to refresh your mind some of the renowned parks are: Parimal Garden and Monte Carlo Oxygen Park if you want to try out some spaces apart from the Ahmedabad university’s campus and garden you should really try these parks and Gardens.

(6) Why FLH by Ahmedabad University is Ideal for Healthy Living

If you’re looking for a PG for both Boys and Girls that prioritizes your health and well-being, FLH by Ahmedabad University stands out for several reasons as in Nutritious Meals which offers balanced and hygienic food options along with Fitness Amenities which are dedicated spaces for indoor and outdoor exercises also it gives a really good atmosphere which helps nurture one’s mind and the Community Vibes which helps to encourage students for social interaction for mental wellness.

Such facilities ensure that students can focus on academics and personal growth without compromising on their health.

Hostel life is a whirlwind of experiences, but your health should remain a priority. By integrating these healthy tips into your hostel life, you can strike a balance between enjoyment and personal well-being. For students residing in Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, premium accommodations like FLH by Ahmedabad University provide the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and health-oriented amenities.

Remember, small steps towards better nutrition and regular exercise can create a lasting impact, making your hostel journey both memorable and healthy.