How to Keep Health and Wellness Top of Mind This Semester

Healthy college student tips
Listen

Before you take care of business, you have to care of yourself. And being a healthy college student is all about balance—from mental well-being to fitness and nutrition.

At Babson College, students, staff, and faculty alike believe in the importance of a campus community rich in resources, including stress management, counseling, faith services, and more.

Want some tips on how to stay healthy this semester? Hear directly from those who help lead health initiatives at Babson, including our very own Peers on Wellness (POWs).

Being a Healthy College Student Means

Finding ways to stand!

“Prolonged daily sitting is associated with a shorter lifespan,” says Julia Lawlor ’21, member of POW helping to lead the group’s nutrition curriculum, “Partner with POW!”. “Standing and treadmill desks are two potential solutions for office workers.”

And sleep . . .

“Start the year off with sleep in mind,” advises Elise Brucato, assistant director of Wellness and Prevention Services. “Aim to wake up around the same time each day to start a routine.”

Helping to stop the spread of germs.

We are currently in the midst of the flu season. As members of a community, it is all of our responsibility to help contain the spreading of illnesses. “Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, and cough/sneeze into your elbow,” says Polly McCabe, assistant director of Health Services. “If you haven’t already, you can get a flu shot by visiting your local pharmacy.”

Staying positive and reminding yourself of why you’re here.

“Practice soul care by saying affirmations. Repeating positive and powerful statements to yourself can have a long-lasting impact on your well-being,” adds Denicia Ratley, director of Religious and Spiritual Life.

Practicing mindful eating.

“Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated,” says Lawlor. “Choose foods that provide the nutrients you need . . . Build your healthy plate with foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein foods.”

Utilizing Babson Recreation and Athletics Complex (BRAC)!

“You don’t have to be a member of a varsity athletics program to take full advantage of this first-class facility,” advises Mike Lynch,  senior director of athletics and athletics advancement. “The new spaces are extremely impressive and the opportunities are endless for everyone.”

A brand new destination specifically designed with health and wellness in mind, BRAC has 40,000 square feet of fitness and recreation space. Find your fit in the strength training or cardio areas; as part of group fitness classes; with a personal trainer; playing intramural, club, or varsity sports; in the pool, on the track, or on the squash and basketball courts; or simply by attending community events.

Taking the time you need to reflect and refocus.

Have you ever taken the time to meditate and reflect? “Download a meditation app (Calm, Headspace, Stop, Breathe & Think) and use it for 10 days to build new stress relief habits,” shares Jan Holton, director of Counseling and Psychological Services.

Posted in Community, Insights

More from Community »

Latest Stories

Members of the Babson community behind a Pride banner at the parade
Passion and Pride: How the Office of Belonging and Inclusion Supports the LGBTQ+ Community Babson’s participation in the Boston Pride Parade caps a busy and productive year of support for the LGBTQ+ community by the Office of Belonging and Inclusion, as it advances the College’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence.
By
Hillary Chabot
Writer
Hillary Chabot
Hillary Chabot is a writer for Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. An award-winning journalist, she is known for her insightful reporting and dedication to detailed storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, she has covered a wide range of topics, from presidential campaigns and government policy to neighborhood issues and investigative series. As a reporter for The Boston Herald, Hillary earned a reputation for tenacity and integrity. Her work at Babson College fuels her passions—to learn something new every day and conduct thoughtful, empathic interviews. She’s thrilled to be at Babson College, where students, faculty, staff members and classes provide compelling copy daily.
June 27, 2025

Posted in Community

Two people sit next to each other in a classroom
As Workforce Needs Evolve, Babson Expands Its Commitment to Professional and Executive Education To better support organizations and professionals in rapidly changing times, Babson launches an expanded Professional and Executive Education portfolio, offering courses that are online, flexible, and urgently needed, while investing in a new lodging and conference center on campus.
By
John Crawford
Senior Journalist
John Crawford
A writer for Babson Thought & Action and the Babson Magazine, John Crawford has been telling the College’s entrepreneurial story for more than 15 years. Assignments for Babson have taken him from Rwanda to El Salvador, from the sweet-smelling factory of a Pennsylvania candy maker, to the stately Atlanta headquarters of an NFL owner, to the bustling office of a New York City fashion designer. Beyond his work for Babson, he has written articles and essays for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Notre Dame Magazine, The Good Men Project, and other publications. He can be found on Twitter, @crawfordwriter, where he tweets about climate change.
June 23, 2025

Posted in Community, Entrepreneurial Leadership

Andrew “Zach” Zacharakis applauds while sitting at a table during a BCERC dinner
Honoring Andrew ‘Zach’ Zacharakis for 20 Years as BCERC Director As the 45th annual entrepreneurship research conference returns to Babson’s campus, BCERC pays tribute to Professor Andrew “Zach” Zacharakis for two decades of service. Zacharakis shares reflections of BCERC and its impact.
By
Eric Beato
Editor / Writer
Eric Beato
Eric Beato is the Editor of Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. A native of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Eric has worked as an editor and writer at newspapers across the country, including the Chicago Sun-Times and Boston Herald. Eric joined Babson College in 2019 after working as the communications director for a private educational travel company and as the managing editor of six regional sports publications.
June 16, 2025

Posted in Community, Entrepreneurial Leadership