College students around the world are constantly struggling with mental health problems, even if they are not aware of it. Living on your own in college is when these issues are especially put to the test. Students create stress when making new friends, taking challenging courses, and eventually joining a career. All of these contribute to everyday anxieties that are often left untreated. Nonetheless, it is crucial to maintain one’s physical health by exercising and eating well in order to carry out a healthy lifestyle. We know, from personal experience, that it is often difficult to balance all of this at once. 

 

We, along with the experts, know that exercise and a nutritious diet are significant factors that work to improve mental health. Providence College has a beautiful on-campus gym, however, students often feel self-conscious working out in front of their peers along or in front of a huge glass window. There are many exercise classes to attend, yet the same issues arise. Students are told that there are healthy dining options around campus, yet it is hard to know how to make a healthy meal for yourself when you are sick of the salad bar or fruit cups. While, on occasion, there are meals that satisfy the needs of hungry, stressed students, it is rare. It is also extremely costly for students to buy an unlimited meal plan for premade meals that do not always target healthy eaters. Furthermore, students find themselves spending additional money on ordering food from outside sources. Finally, Providence College has many resources for students suffering from mental health, yet students may feel nervous to take advantage of them. It is our hope that we can help students follow the necessary steps to tackle mental health challenges from multiple perspectives. 

 

Now, due to circumstances that we face during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are forced to adapt to a new virtual environment. Thus, the creation of our website will point out and discuss the value of nutrition and exercise and how these contribute to a balanced mental health. Our goal is for students to utilize our website during these tough times while we are all at home, in addition to when we return back to PC campus. During quarantine, it is important that we all pay attention to our mental health. With the resources we have provided, anyone is able to find quick and easy workouts, recipes, and mental health tips to keep yourself happy and healthy during these unprecedented times. In addition, there are numerous tips for students once they return to campus. When students are unable or uncomfortable going to the fitness center, they can find workouts that can be done within the comfort of their own dorm. Furthermore, if students can’t find something premade at the dining hall that they believe is a nutritious option, they can utilize the “Dining Hall Creations” tab on our website which includes some of our quick and creative hacks for dining hall food (approved by the PC nutritionist too!). If students would rather eat from their own room, the “Dorm Room Delights” section of the website is the perfect place to find a recipe for something nutritious and easy. 

Finally, when (if) the time comes, we will host a forum focusing on the importance of nutrition, physical health, and mental health. We understand the struggle between mental health, school, exercise, and nutrition. That is why it is our mission to provide a happy and healthier campus through a digital website that exemplifies the connection between everyday factors and mental health. We hope to bring awareness of this issue to the Providence College community in order to create a happier and healthier campus!