Now, I know this might sound cliché, but it’s true for me. The gym serves as an outlet for me to relieve my academic stress and other, different kinds of worries in my life. Of course, when I first get there and I’m just warming up, thoughts of exams still creep into my mind. However, as I get more “into the zone” and start focusing on each of my lifts, my mind blocks out the academic stress as much as possible and forces me to lock into my session.
This is just one of the many benefits of working out, especially for students like us. It allows you to focus on something other than the demanding lecturers that are giving you a hard time, group members not pulling their weight, or that one essay you still have to write another 1000 words for. The minute you start focusing on your exercise session is the moment you can start relieving some of that stress that weighs you down throughout the day.
Now, when most people hear “exercising” and “getting active,” their minds usually jump straight to the gym. They imagine unnecessarily heavy weights or boring hours on the treadmill. But let me tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way! Exercise is defined as “any movement that makes your muscles work and requires your body to burn calories” (Semeco, 2023). Trust me, it’s not limited to “going to the gym.” Exercising and becoming more physically active in your daily life can take many different forms.
It can be as simple as taking a quick five-minute walk, following along with a yoga, pilates, or even Zumba session on YouTube, going swimming, biking, or dancing along to your favorite playlist. There are countless ways to get active. Now, I understand that you won’t magically go from dreading physical activity to becoming an avid hiker or walking the entirety of Georgetown overnight. It’s all about starting small, especially as a student with a packed schedule. However, it’s important to take little steps towards moving your body more.
Consider going for a quick walk before or after your class, doing a 30-minute yoga session in the morning to kickstart your day, swimming on the weekends, or ending your night with a dance party in your room (I’m not kidding – dancing along to your favorite songs counts as exercise too!). These small changes in your daily routine will help you start reaping the benefits of working out.
We often associate working out with achieving one goal: looking better or getting that “summer body.” And let me be honest, I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t one of the reasons I started working out too. And that isn’t inherently bad; there’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve your appearance and working towards that. It is wrong, however, to have that be the only reason we start exercising. It’s important to realize that exercise is so much more than just a means to look good in front of a mirror. It offers a myriad of benefits, especially for students.
Exercise has been called the “elixir of life” because it helps strengthen our bones, increase bone density, reduce muscle loss, and even prevent chronic diseases, allowing us to be stronger and healthier for longer. I could go on and on, but let me mention one more benefit: exercising can help increase our energy levels. And for students, who often feel fatigued and drained due to academic stress, this is incredibly important.
My preferred and main form of exercise is weightlifting at the gym, but I also enjoy going for walks, hikes, swimming, or cycling whenever I get the chance. And if I don’t get the chance, I always have Spotify or YouTube to play music and dance to at home. Incorporating exercise and physical activity into your daily life doesn’t have to be intimidating, costly, or time-consuming. But once you realize its importance and how it can positively impact your academic career and overall quality of life, making time for it will pay off. I promise you that.
So, don’t just take my word for it; try it out yourself. Take that first step towards a healthier and more active lifestyle. You’ll be amazed at the positive changes it can bring to your life as a student. Good luck!
Semeco, A. (2023, February 9). The Top 10 Benefits of Regular Exercise. Healthline.
