Healthy tips for working students 

As a health and fitness member, Joan De Souza, tries to come to the gym five to six days a week. De Souza said that being active helps with her mental and physical well-being. Courtney Prielipp | The Washtenaw Voice

Teresa Quinones | Contributor 

Twice a year, for ten weeks, WCC faculty and staff from different departments participate in a walking program, offering a fun and simple way to stay active while promoting wellness. As shared by Kathryn Wagner, the coordinator of instructional support for the health and science division, participants set step goals and track their progress weekly. Participants often report benefits like increased mental clarity and wellness. So, how can student workers find inspiration from this initiative and incorporate wellness into their busy schedules?  

Physical activity: small movements, big impact

For many, the thought of a two-hour gym session or a grueling workout can be intimidating. But, according to Dawn Lyons, director of the WCC Health and Fitness Center, staying active doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. She said that it’s all about finding something enjoyable and realistic. 

“Personally, I have a 30-minute workout in the morning because I know that it is something attainable for me,” Lyons said. For students unsure where to start, she recommends strength training, like weightlifting or bodyweight workouts. 

Lyons encourages students to take advantage of little opportunities throughout the day to move. “If you’re sitting at your desk, just opening up your chest or standing up and touching your toes can be a great break,” she says. Even taking a brief walk or stretching between classes and work is a simple, attainable way to incorporate physical activity. 

Mindfulness: staying calm amidst the chaos

Carlos Jacob Orrosco is a 21-year-old student studying Transportation Technologies. He works as a part-time lab tech assistant at the Auto Center, a physically demanding job where he has to push and lift heavy things all the time.

“You have to be pretty zen in this field,” he shares. Whenever things start to feel overwhelming or chaotic, he finds it helpful to take a deep breath or step away for a minute.  

Personal counselor at WCC James Bauer emphasizes that breathing techniques are simple yet effective tools for students like Orrosco to incorporate mindfulness. 

“They regulate our breathing, which regulates our heart rate, which regulates our moods,” Bauer said. He recommends a simple breathing method: inhale for four seconds, hold and exhale for four seconds. 

If students find themselves in a quiet environment, Bauer also suggests focusing on sounds, like the hum of air conditioning.

Nutrition: fueling your body for productivity  

“Nutrition, I always say, is the fuel for our bodies,” said WCC’s health science and nutrition instructor Susan Okonkowskei. When it comes to fueling up, she believes a healthy breakfast like peanut butter toast or oatmeal can be a game changer for students rushing out the door.  

“Bring healthy snacks–apples, cheese sticks, nuts,” she recommends. These provide a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats as a snack, keeping you satiated for longer and preventing the temptation of fast food. 

When you buy fresh produce, “go home, cut it, and store it,” Okonkowskei said. Having ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables on hand makes healthy eating much more convenient.  

Joshua Singer, a 22-year-old Target employee handling drive-up orders, finds meal prepping essential as a busy student worker. 

“Meal planning is big for me. It helps me track what I’m eating and makes sure I eat enough nutrients,” he said. By packing meals with enough proteins and carbs, students like Singer can stay energized and focused throughout their busy schedules. 

For students looking to save on meal prep, Okonkowskei suggests buying seasonal or on-sale items. 

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