Lifestyle and Leisure / Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2020
Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2020: Get moving
With a city as well connected as Bristol you might find yourself able to get most things done without ever leaving your flat – even food shopping. Add online lectures into the mix, and you might find yourself spending a lot of time sitting in the same spot.
Do something consciously active
You don’t need to be sporty or even social to exercise. Take the time every day to do something consciously active. This could be a short walk, cycle, or run, alone or with friends – or something even more intense if you wanted.
As well as improving your physical health, getting outside and breathing some fresh air can be great for your mental health, too.
Active Travel
Active travel is a great way to combine your exercise time with your travel time. You’ll be surprised just how much more you discover of the city when you take an active form of travel compared to just getting on the same bus route each day.
Why not try:
is needed now More than ever
- Walking to the supermarket and getting the bus back, rather than getting the bus both ways.
- Taking the stairs instead of the lift.
- Walking or cycling to a restaurant to pick up takeaway, rather than getting delivery, which helps the environment at the same time.
- Cycling to afternoon seminars – even if you can’t hack cycling to your morning ones.
- Why not try hiring a YoBike for your journey back from a morning seminar?
Try cycling one way to university. Photo: John Bewley
Making healthy choices
Rather than ordering yet-another delivery from KFC or McDonald’s, why not try a healthier local restaurant? Making food at home is usually cheaper and can be much healthier, too: try a student cookbook for inspiration.
Instead of snacking on chocolate bars and sweets, which can often leave you feeling unfulfilled, why not try some fruit or nuts? One trick I learned to avoid eating a whole portion of M&Ms was to put some nuts and M&Ms together in a bowl to make a half-healthy-half-treat snack!
Kicking it up a notch
Both UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol have gyms on their campuses, and Bristol is filled with different gyms, including many that are open 24 hours.
Warrior Gym is more of many places to go and get fit in Bristol. Photo: Kayleigh Gresty Photography
As a socially distanced and cheaper alternative to the gym, why not try utilising some of Bristol’s green space to follow some online exercise classes? Societies and sports clubs, such as your university’s yoga society, can also help add exercise into your weekly routine.
Don’t overdo it
Having a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean a miserable one. It’s okay to have a break and a slice of cake, as long as it’s not all you do. Remember, just as overeating is bad for your health, so is undereating. Don’t be afraid to ask your GP for help – it’s what they’re there for.
Main photo: Rosie French
Read more: Tips for eating on a budget
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