Introduction

Recreation and its role in healthy living

Recreation is refreshment of one's mind or body through activity. UC San Diego Recreation provides diverse, dynamic and high quality programs to the university that promote fitness, enjoyment, relaxation and play. Through recreational experiences, participants learn skills and develop habits that improve health, happiness and the quality of life. Recreation is the act of creating anew.

Healthy eating and its role in healthy living

Healthy eating – According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, healthy eating refers to: consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups; choosing foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and added sugars and salt; and meeting recommended intakes within energy needs by adopting a balanced eating pattern of nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient-dense foods are those that provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) and are not high in calories.

Sleep

For many of us, sleep is highly prized but not necessarily high on our daily priorities. Sleep should be atop our "needs" list, not our "wants" list. For optimum physiological, mental and emotional performance, we NEED our sleep. According to the sleep experts at the National Sleep Foundation, most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for ideal performance, health and safety. When we fail to meet this need for sleep, we then accumulate a running sleep debt. The most commonly reported sleep-disturbances stem from poor sleep habits and can often be corrected by practicing good sleep hygiene. It is easier than you might think to incorporate choices that promote more and healthier sleep. After all, sleep is about both quantity and quality. By following certain steps such as keeping a consistent wake-sleep cycle, regular physical activity , and developing healthy bedtime habits, you can improve and enjoy this most basic, necessary and pleasurable of activities.

Links to off-campus or community wellness services and information

College specific off-campus links