As college students, the many aspects of our lives on campus often come with overwhelming demands. You may have exams and assignments due for each class in one week and you still might have to try to find time to work a few shifts. Most days, it’s a struggle to breathe freely. Somehow we find the time to squeeze each of these important events into our already tight schedules, so why should we make excuses when it comes to an active lifestyle?
Like most things in life, it’s always a good idea to weigh things out from a cost-benefit viewpoint. When it comes to getting active, the cost is valuable time. Meanwhile, among the list of benefits are stress relief, an increase in energy, and overall balance, just to name a few. Setting aside an hour of your day just a few times a week can help make micromanaging the chaos of life much easier.
PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert
Natural Stress Relief
When blocking out that hour of your day, don’t think of it as an hour of working out—think of it as an hour to yourself. Whether you detach from social media and school work to go for a nice walk around campus, grab a yoga mat, or hit the gym, focus all of your energy into that moment. Let your body’s chemistry take over for a bit and allow yourself to leave behind the insignificant tasks for a while. Once you’re finished with that sweat sesh, simply return to your duties with a more open, productive, and active mindset.
Energy Boosts
Contrary to popular belief, working out can actually leave you with more energy rather than tear you down. Setting your alarms just half an hour earlier can help make your day more productive rather than leaving you dragging your feet. Once you get that blood flowing (and maybe grab a cup of coffee or tea), you’ll be ready to throw on your favorite shoes and walk into that 8 a.m. class with a smile on your face and a little pep in your step.
Overall Balance
Designating time to workout helps you fall into a routine of healthy habits. Before you know it, you won’t have to force yourself to get to the gym or to disconnect; you’ll grab your gym bag on your way out the door in the mornings already pumped for that time to yourself. Staying active may even help you sleep better (and what college student actually gets enough sleep?) Think of working out as a midday reboot. Productive time to focus on yourself essentially leads to clearing and relaxing your mind, allowing you to slay the day with productivity.
Are you lacing up your sneakers yet? Share your favorite workouts with us on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!
