© Sven Menschel We often find ourselves sitting for lectures, for lunch, while digital viewing like TV, Netflix or movies, or just during our free time to relax. As adults, we spend almost 80 percent of our lives on our bottoms. But all this comes with an additional baggage of health troubles. Constant sitting leads to weight gain, overeating, fatigue, slower metabolism, neck, joint, and back problems and increased risk of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes.
My personal take on prolonged sitting is that it not only dulls down the body, but it dulls down the mind too. And that’s why it pleases me to see that WUR encouraging students towards overall personality development which is not common at the university level. I came to WUR with the intention to gather a wholesome experience, where I can learn as both a student and a person.The art of punctuality In the past one year at Wageningen, I have learnt the importance of work-life balance and the numerous ways a student can achieve it. It all starts with the art of punctuality, it really impresses me how everyone keeps up with time both at the beginning as well as at the end of the day. People work with full dedication and focus from 9 am to 5 pm, and as soon as the clock strikes 5, it is time to start the next integral part of the day for everyone.I have seen Sports Center de Bongerd flooded with people busy with something or the other of their interests. Sometimes I see my lecturers in the gym working as hard as I am. Other students actively involve themselves with student organizations, who organize regular cultural events that make Wageningen, the happening place that it is. Others go out for group activities with their friends which gives them the fun as well as the social interaction that one needs. A few of them, especially towards the end of the week, engage in relaxing activities like swimming, yoga or biking through the forests of Wageningen. This calms your mind and prepares you for the following eventful week. I admire how people regardless of age take care of their physical and mental health and overall generate a healthy population.
Rigorous classes
Here is a note to the incoming students of the 2018 fall, a typical WUR student’s life is all about striking a work-life balance. And as much as a student is prone to sitting, there are a million ways to break that trend and lead a healthy life. After rigorous classes, practicals and group work during the day, engage yourself in something interesting in the evening. WUR is a place full of opportunities, to explore and self-discover yourself. So, in a month when you arrive here, spot your favourite activity and take your first step towards your personal growth.
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