Exercise? Just when are you supposed to find the time?
With lectures to attend, essays to write, and…erm…parties to consider, taking time to exercise might not form part of your schedule at all.
And yet here’s the thing. You need to make exercise a priority, and these are just a few of the reasons why.
#1: You will have more energy
Sorry, but those energy drinks and cups of coffee you partake of to keep you fresh and alert will only propel your energy levels so far. At some point, you will crash on both a physical and a mental level, and feelings of tiredness will start to overwhelm you again. On the other hand, a few minutes of exercise throughout the day will give you a natural energy boost. You will then have the ability to concentrate in your lectures, work more productively on your essays, and (if you don’t have classes the next morning) dance longer into the night!
#2: You will feel less stressed
Let’s face facts. Student life is stressful. With deadlines to meet and masses of work to complete, your stress levels are going to go through the roof at times. If you don’t get a handle on your stress, you are going to feel both the mental and physical effects, including low moods, anxiety, and aches around your body. You will struggle to sleep too. Therefore, spend more time in physical activity. Exercise is a great stress-reliever, so take a walk around campus every now and again or hit the gym. You will calm your frayed nerves and benefit your health if you do.
#3: You will get out of your chair more
How many hours a day do you spend studying? Chances are, unless you’re more of a party-hard than a study-hard type of student, you probably spend around 7-8 hours a day rooted to your desk with your books. This isn’t a bad thing, as you do need to study. However, sitting in one position for a long time can be bad for your health, as you run the risk of varicose veins, back and neck pain, and high cholesterol. In the long-term, you are also putting yourself at risk of diabetes, heart problems, and other debilitating illnesses. So, to reduce the need for varicose vein treatment and a physiotherapist, and to preserve your life way past your college years, protect your health by getting up out of your seat every so often and into exercise. You will then feel better in both the short and the long-term.
#4: You will have a healthier brain
Studies have shown that exercise is essential for good brain health. Physical activity will increase your capacity to learn, and you will be less prone to forgetfulness too. That means no more missing lectures and essay deadlines! Your teachers will be pleased! So, do yourself a favor and spend more time on your feet. By stimulating the muscles in both your body and your brain, you will do much to improve yourself during your life at college.
So, what are you waiting for? Put down that limp piece of cold pizza. Put your books to one side for a few minutes. Put on your running shoes. And do something active for a few minutes to improve your day. You will feel better if you do!
