Pictures of Health: A Day in the Life of a Furman Student

Just by walking around Furman's campus, you will probably witness many students making healthy lifestyle choices. Maybe you'll see someone helping out at a philanthropy event or watch as a student chooses salad over hamburgers in the DH. 

This blog post is going to break with the tradition of my previous ones. Instead of telling you about health, I am going to show you the healthy behaviors that I witnessed in a single day on Furman's campus.

Going to the PAC isn't the only way to get exercise. My friend group
frequently organizes swing dancing socials. Swing dancing really
is a work-out, so it contributes to physical health.

It contributes to emotional health, too, because you
will get lots of social interaction (and maybe even
dance with a cute boy!)

My friend Anne Elizabeth is demonstrating the physical activity
choice of many Furman students...running! Furman's campus offers
lots of good running routes. Try jogging around the lake (approx. 20 minutes)
or run the Swamp Rabbit Trail right off campus.

Don't forget to take care of your mental health, too! My friend
Ben (pictured here) likes to take his studying outside, where
the calming nature can offer some stress relief!

Intramural sports teams are a great way to get
physical activity without the stress of playing
varsity athletics. 

Here is a typical Furman dorm room. Let this image serve as
a reminder to get AT LEAST 7 hours of sleep per night!

Remember- while classes are important, it's important to take
some time for socialization! :)

These pictures show how students independently strive towards a healthy lifestyle. Remember that Furman also has many on-campus groups in place that can help you achieve your lifestyle goals:

- Check out the group exercise classes at the PAC, join an intramural team, or set up a meeting with Dining Hall services to discuss healthy eating options

- Consider improving your emotional and spiritual health by giving back to the community. Get involved with Heller Service Corps or Athletes for Africa. You can get involved with Teach America or the Frazee Center, which both involve tutoring at local elementary schools and after-school programs. Additionally, many fraternities and sororities are involved with philanthropy work.

- Find purpose and community with an on-campus religious or service-oriented group.

Community and Spiritual Health

            We all know that it’s important to have friends, but have you thought about the importance of intentional community in your life? If you don’t have it, I would encourage you to get it.

            A community is a group that is committed to each other. They see the good and bad in each other but love them anyway. They don’t always agree on things, but they move past their differences because they are committed to the group as a whole. True community occurs when people are honest with each other and know that they can share their true feelings, doubts, and thoughts without judgment.

            A community can come in many forms, and it can range from sports teams to sororities. One of the best forms of community in my life has been my church. 

            My church is an inner-city church, which means that there is much racial and socio-economic diversity. It is not uncommon to see a homeless man sitting on the pew next to an upper-middle class family. Also, the staff in my church is very ethnically diverse. My pastor is a redhead, but the music leader is Hispanic and the associate pastor is African-American. Along with these racial differences, there are also many differing political opinions within my church.

            These different perspectives occasionally lead to disagreements, but they never break up the community that my church has. I love that people from all walks of life can come together because our common beliefs and love of Christ are stronger than our differences. It is a spiritually healthy environment.

            If you are interested in building intentional community among your friends, I recommend reading the chapter about community in the book the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. In it, he states that true community is built when people are committed, honest, humble, courteous, confidential, and frequently in contact.

            I hope that you have already experienced the joys of living in community, whether it’s in your church, neighborhood, or school. If not, seek out a group with the qualities listed above.  

Count Your Blessings

Recently, I learned a lesson about thankfulness that I won’t soon forget.

A couple weeks ago, my school hosted their annual housing lottery. Basically, every upperclassman that is planning on living in the on-campus apartments enters a lottery in hopes of getting an apartment assigned to them. Unfortunately, the campus does not have enough apartments for all the upperclassmen, and every year there are a select few students who get stuck with a dorm assignment. 

Needless to say, it IS a little nerve wracking when the lottery time comes. Students check their computers obsessively hoping to receive that blessed email that will inform them that they can leave the dorms behind for good. 

I had a feeling going into the lottery that my apartment wouldn’t get an assignment. I always have terrible luck with these types of things, and I was certain that this time wouldn’t be any different.

Sure enough, the 3^rd day of the 4-day lottery came to a close, and we STILL hadn’t received an apartment. “Why me?” I thought to myself. “They need to change this system. They should give preference to students who have never had housing violations.”

But then I logged onto Facebook, and I saw a message that my friend from Brazil had left me. He asked if I had been watching the news and then said that many students from his area of the country had been shot at a middle school that day. A former student had come into the school with a gun and started targeting kids at random. The policemen had no idea what the motive was, and the killer shot himself before they could ask him.

As I expressed my condolences to my friend, I realized the differences between my world and the world of those less fortunate. My biggest concern that day was getting an apartment. If I didn’t get one, I was still guaranteed clean, safe on-campus housing.

The biggest concern of families in Brazil that day was the senseless loss of their children. Suddenly the Housing Lottery seemed a lot less important.

I know that it is impossible to always keep things in a global perspective, but I would argue that it is important to one’s spiritual health to count your blessings. We have so much very blessed in this country, but we won't realize it unless we take the time to notice.

Physical Health: Making Food Work for YOU

          College students are under a tremendous amount of pressure. Sometimes it seems like we are on-the-go 24 hours a day as we run between class, work, meetings, interviews, and internships. This busy lifestyle demands that we keep our health in good condition, and a major component of health involves the food that we put into our bodies.

            Furman students are aware of this fact. Judging by the abundance of trim waistlines walking around campus, we think a good deal about our food choices. Unfortunately, it is often done in a very superficial manner. While students worry about calorie and fat content, a deeper analysis of food may be in order.

            Have you ever thought about how food can affect your mood? According to multiple studies, including a study by Dr. Richard Wurtman at MIT, a strong connection exists between what we eat and how we feel. Food has the short-term ability to influence our neurotransmitters. These fluctuating levels of chemicals in our brain (including Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin) induce our bodies to react certain ways.

            The implication of this knowledge is substantial. If you understand how food affects your brain, you can make food choices that cater to your needs and your busy college schedule. Why not give yourself every advantage to succeed?

            If you have a big test coming up in your 8:30 class, there are many intentional food choices that you can make.  First, eat breakfast. According to WebMD, eating breakfast can boost short-term memory and attention. Also, students who eat breakfast tend to perform significantly better than those who don’t.

            Many of the breakfast foods found in our very own DH will stimulate concentration levels. Sugar can certainly increase alertness. Be aware of the type of sugar you choose. A simple sugar (think Captain Crunch or orange juice) can offer a temporary boost to memory and thinking processes. It will spike your blood sugar, but you may experience a crash later.

            However, if you have a busy morning, you might need something that lasts a bit longer. According to Associated Content, a more complex carbohydrate, such as a high-fiber whole grain cereal, will take longer to break down. This leaves you with an ongoing alertness that doesn’t involve the dreaded spike and crash. Eggs and other protein rich foods are also good options for long lasting concentration.

            If you are planning on grad school, you may need more long-term benefits for your memory. Fish is a great choice because it contains Omega 3 fatty acids. These fats provide wonderful benefits for long-term memory and brain functioning. Usually the DH only serves fish once a week, but students can buy fish oil supplements that also provide Omega 3 fatty acids.

            While there is no super food that will replace hours of study, using these tips will give you the edge as you wade through Furman academia.

            Furman students also crave relaxation after class is through. According to Judith Wurthman’s studies at UCLA, you can reduce stress levels by choosing foods with serotonin. Turkey, chocolate, and dairy products all contain serotonin. Eating these “comfort-foods” can literally make you feel more relaxed and happy. However, we all know that comfort foods are not always the healthiest. Make sure to eat in moderation!

            The DH salad bar is also full of foods that can help reduce stress. Orange slices are always available. They contain vitamin C, which has recently been linked with lower blood pressure. Dark, green vegetables like broccoli contain a variety of vitamins that are necessary in times of stress. Another great option, spinach, contains magnesium, which we need to avoid feelings of fatigue. Women’s Health magazine recently highlighted all of these foods for their stress-reducing qualities.

            If students put a little time into research, I’m sure that they would find many examples beyond the few listed here. Frankly, it’s worth the time if it means more concentration and less anxiety amid Furman life. Find out which foods will serve your needs, and start to make food work for you. 

Get Your Thoughts Out

When I was in third and fourth grade, I kept a journal. I can still clearly picture it in my head- a hard cover, spiral bound book with my ratty ankle bracelets tied to it. It is sort of humorous to read over it now, because I only wrote in it when I was mad.

“________ thinks she’s SO COOL just because she is allowed to wear make-up and because all the boys like her. But really she is a brat.”

“My mom just doesn’t get it. She won’t let me buy the off the shoulder shirts that EVERYONE is wearing. They aren’t even that much off the shoulder. And you wear a tank top under them, so it is basically just like any other shirt.”

“Today I told __________ to “shut up”. I know it’s bad to say, but I just had to.”

Although my trials then seem very trivial now, I am still glad that I kept a diary during that stage in my life. After each entry, I always felt de-fused and cooled down.

Fast forward to college. Journaling was the last thing on my mind until this year. I mean, I already have papers to write, a job in the Admissions Office, Bible study to attend, and a social life to keep. Where am I supposed to block out half an hour for journaling?

But, after recommendations from multiple friends about the wonders of journaling, I decided to give it a shot a couple months ago. And you know what? I LOVE IT.

I’d be lying if I said that I do it on a daily basis. I don’t. I also don’t write down everything I’m thinking, because 1) I don’t want someone to find this one day and 2) sometimes it’s hard to be honest- even with myself.

I’m not going to provide you with statistics or facts about benefits of journaling. But, based on my personal experience, I want you to know that it has been a helpful way for me to organize my thoughts and give myself a healthy dose of self-expression. 

Nothing Wrong with a Little Counsel...

Counseling. When people hear this word, I think that some of them immediately picture psych wards and psychiatrists in lab coats. “Counseling” sounds like something serious, and this gives the misconception that it is only something to seek out if you have serious psychological problems.

However, I am under the impression that EVERYONE could use some good counseling. It can never hurt to talk your emotions out with someone and have them give you advice.

Furthermore, counseling is more common than you think. A recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education announced that “nearly A THIRD of college students have had mental-health counseling.”

One Third. That means that you are not alone if you seek counseling. Although it’s not really something that people talk about, but it's part of many peoples' lives.

If you feel that you would benefit from talking things out with someone, there are many resources at your disposal:

• Furman Students can use a resource right on campus: The University Counseling Center. Call 864- 294-3031 to set up an appointment.

• Greenville area residents can use local counseling centers or churches to meet counseling needs. Greenville Counseling Associates, Greenville Psychology Center, and Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church all offer local counseling.

Laughter: Good for the Soul

Ever had one of those moments where you laughed until you cried? Or thought about a funny movie quote and laughed out loud even though you were alone in your room? I know that I have.

It’s amazing to think that something so simple can bring so much joy to life. Really, laughter is just the result of someone opening up his mouth and letting out an incoherent sound. But it is beautiful.

Laughter has a purpose. I was just reading today about a study on the benefits of laugher. It improves many aspects of health- especially emotional health.

Here are some of the Social Benefits of laughter, according to HelpGuide:

·      Adds joy and zest to life

·      Eases anxiety and fear

·      Relieves stress

·      Improves mood

·      Enhances resilience

Hopefully none of you are having trouble finding ways to laugh and relax, but, in case you are, let me make some suggestions to you about the ways that I stay relaxed and get my “full servings” of laughs at school.

Watch a funny sitcom. Go to a play or musical that incorporates comedy. Read the comics. Hang out with friends late at night (I truly believe that is when the best memories are made). Turn up the music when you ride in the car and sing at the top of your lungs (or laugh at your friend’s singing). Laugh at yourself every once in awhile.   

The Wisdom of Seinfeld

One of my favorite TV shows is Seinfeld. A particular episode that I like is "The Serenity Now" (stay with me..this has a point!). At one part of the episode, Jerry Seinfeld (main character) makes a decision to start sharing his emotions more freely. He tells his friend George to start trying it, too:

Jerry: George, letting my emotions out was the best thing I've ever done.

Sure I'm not funny anymore, but there's more to life than making

shallow, fairly-obvious observations. How about you?

George: All right... here goes...

A few clips later, we return to George after he has shared his emotions with Jerry:



George: So, that's it. All of my darkest fears, and... everything I'm
capable of. That's me.

Jerry: Yikes. Well, good luck with all that!

Isn't this always our worst fear when we confide in someone? There is always a risk involved when being vulnerable with someone- it could come back and bite you.

But, in order to achieve Emotional Health (the first leg of the "bar stool"), it is absolutely necessary to have friends to confide in. Studies have suggested that having a strong social network can improve the immune system and overall health.

Think about who you can turn to with difficulties that you face. If you get stressors off your chest, you will probably see them in a more manageable light.

The Bar Stool- A Picture of Health?

In seventh grade, my teacher told me that health is like a barstool. There are multiple components, and if one component is out of balance…the whole thing crumbles.

This analogy has been a very effective analogy for me, from middle school to my current college years. It reminds me that I need to be worried about things besides my cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

All of us (especially college students) need to consider all FOUR legs of the “bar stool” of health:

1)   Mental Health – Includes topics ranging from anxiety, to stress management, to depression

2)   Emotional Health – Similar to mental health, this category includes the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, and your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties. The idea of “community” has always been central to my feeling of emotional health…which is something that I’ll talk about in later posts J

3)   Spiritual Health – My Health class defined this as “feeling of purpose in life.” My relationship with Christ has provided me with purpose, meaning, and comfort. Also, spiritual “communities”, such as churches, can provide some of our emotional health needs.

4)   Physical Health – What most people think of when they hear the word “health”

In later posts, I want to explore each of these categories more in-depth. But for now, I wanted y’all to have an overview of where this blog is headed!

All Work and No Play Makes a Dull Student

Lately, I've been reflecting on the idea of balance (hence the name of this blog). It's so important, but something that is rarely talked about. As we run from activity to activity and try to pad our resume with lots of good grades and extra curricular activities, we start to believe that busy=healthy.


But that's not necessarily true. Yes, it's great to feel a sense of belonging and to be involved in the campus around us, but we need a balance of work and play. If our commitments are starting to stress us out rather than giving us a sense of belonging, we need to reevaluate our schedule.


My challenge to all college students this week is to focus on YOURSELF. Put aside the cell phone, the laptop, and the over-planned schedule. Take time to relax, and come up with practical ways in which you will handle stress. Here's a few to get you started, courtesy of Helpguide.org:


- Identify sources of stress in your life
- Learn how to say "no"
- Share your feelings
- Don't try to control the uncontrollable
- Look for the upside
- Set aside relaxation time


You may think these are common sense, but what a difference they can make!