Kent State Interns

  Beating the Fall Slump: How to Stay Energized When the Days Get Shorter The leaves are changing, football season is in full swing, and pumpkin spice everything is back — but let’s be real, fall can also bring on a major slump. Shorter days, colder weather, and the mid-semester grind can make you feel more tired, less motivated, and constantly reaching for caffeine. The good news? What you eat, drink, and how you structure your day can play a huge role in keeping your energy (and mood) steady. Get That Morning Light (and Vitamin D) When the sun sets earlier, your body will make less vitamin D , which can leave you feeling sluggish . Research shows that low vitamin D status is linked with higher rates of depressive symptoms , and supplementation may improve mood in some groups. Try to get 10–20 minutes of natural light in the morning (if able in Ohio) to helps reset your body clock. Food sources like eggs, salmon, fortified milk, and even mushrooms give...

  Hydration at the Tailgate: Don’t Let Dehydration Sack You Fall Saturdays = football, food, and hours of hanging out with friends. But let’s be real: between the salty snacks, long hours outside, and maybe a few adult beverages, staying hydrated can fall off the radar. The problem? Dehydration can sneak up on you and leave you feeling drained before the game even kicks off. The good news? With a little planning, you can keep your energy up and still enjoy everything game day has to offer. Pregame Like a Pro Think of water as part of your tailgate prep. If you show up already dehydrated, you’re starting from behind. Experts from UNC Health recommend drinking plenty of fluids a day or two before outdoor events and sipping water steadily throughout the day — not just chugging when you feel thirsty Chug a full water bottle (16–20 oz) before you head out. Bonus points if you throw in an electrolyte packet , like Liquid IV packet, a Nuun hydration tablet,...