Columnist Haadiza Ogwude offers some tips to keep students on their feet at fests.
It’s that time of year again: sunny days, Kona Ice, jean shorts and frisbee on College Green. It’s spring time at Ohio University, and with every spring semester comes fest season. Yes, the notorious fest season. Every weekend for the rest of the semester, with the exception of Moms Weekend and Easter weekend, will be met with overcrowded block parties on some of Athens's most notable party streets. With fest season in full swing, I thought it would be beneficial for me to provide some “how to’s” on staying healthy this year.
For many people, fest season means weekends of extensive alcohol consumption, sporadic eating habits and questionable health choices. The new spring heat, combined with alcohol consumption, lack of sleep and too many unhealthy but tempting restaurants on Court Street makes for a very harmful routine.
It is important to remember that balance is the key to fest season. However, we all know the purpose of these fests is to enjoy the music and have a good time with your friends. It's OK if you make an unhealthy choice here and there — just be sure to not let it be an excuse for not getting back into your usual routine.
There is a way to stay healthy while enjoying yourself during fest season. The first step is being prepared. Before you head out to High Fest this weekend, stock up on some snacks for the day. Dried fruit, nuts and oats are great because they are easy to carry around with you all day and they provide a lot of nutrients in a small amount. Other healthy and tasty options include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, mulberries, golden raisins, goji berries, coconut chips and dates. You can also use all these ingredients to make your own trail mix. Not only will it make a great snack, but it will also curb your appetite and you will be less inclined to make a stop at Big Mama’s on your way home.
Another key to staying healthy is bringing a cooler to store juices, fresh fruit and vegetable crudités. If you plan on doing a lot of walking during fest, they make great cooler bags and backpacks that will be easy to carry from house to house. Also, make sure to keep a few extra water bottles in the cooler for you and your friends to stay hydrated throughout the day.
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Before you and your friends head out to the all-day extravaganza, make sure you eat a good breakfast. It may be tempting to skip your meals during fest because you are just too excited for the day’s festivities, but chances are you’ll end up famished in the heat and be more likely to eat something that is not good for you. Also, not eating combined with the high alcohol consumption and heat could cause your body to shut down, and you could pass out. Even if you can’t have a full meal at Nelson or Boyd dining halls, at least try to have a quick meal in your room.
Utilizing these tips during fest season will help you to stay healthy and have a great time! However, this is just the beginning. There are many other ways and techniques that will help you navigate through fest season. Just remember, balance is the key.
Haadiza Ogwude is a sophomore studying journalism. Do you have any tips for staying healthy at fests? Tweet Haadiza @AdoreHaadiza or email her at ho299413@ohio.edu.
