As the Fall semester begins and thousands of college students head back to school or like myself begin a full load online while working 40+ hours a week. You will and are about to find yourself beyond busy with trying to balance studying, social life, working, or anything else that my come your way. These factors which we know and love can cause us joy and also could be the worst stressors.
This is why exercise is so important to us as college students; even just a brisk walk a day with your best friends can do wonders on your physical and mental well being.
So here are five reasons why being physically active in college is so important:
1. Energy Boost
Being a college student we often feel like we are tired 99% of the time. Exercising three to four times a week can actually improve your energy levels significantly which is a good thing in order to be awake and alert in class. So maybe next time instead of spending $5 on coffee or energy drink which will wear off make some time to go for a run or hit the gym!
2. Stress Relief
This one is big and we have all heard that exercise produces endorphins, but what does that mean? Well endorphins are basically chemicals your brain produces which are used like natural painkillers that help reduce your stress levels and even improve sleep. Aerobic or "Cardio" exercise is the best for stress relief so take a study break go for a bike ride or hit up a Zumba class.
3. Stimulates Brain cells
Participating in exercise three to four times a week can have a significant impact on your brain as well. Its been shown that people who do exercise regularly actually have better memory retention and focus more. It's plain and simple that the brain is a muscle and the more you work out that muscle the stronger it becomes. Who wouldn't want a good healthy brain especially in college?
4. Keeps you well
Another reason to regularly participate in exercise is that it builds up your immune system. When you exercise regularly your heart gets stronger and more better able to pump blood throughout your arteries, aerobic exercise can help build your lungs better for holding oxygen, and any kind of exercise helps build your bone strength if you are regularly doing so. Living in a college town with thousands of students makes illnesses more susceptible but if you are regularly exercising you are decreasing your risk to catch whatever could go around; like something as simple as a common cold.
5. Lower disease risk
Exercise can actually lower your risk of high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. The easiest way to start is a daily brisk walk, as simple as this seems a 20-30min walk to elevate your heart rate some can actually decrease your risk of diseases. This is important to start now as it can help us live a longer and healthier life past college.
Exercising doesn't have to be all horrid and rigorous either, you don't have to be a body builder and Hit the gym five to six times a week but regularly participation in some form of physical activity is very beneficial.
So maybe join that intramural team you we're thinking about or actually go on those outdoor runs you promised to do with your bff once school started. Whatever it may be, find something that works for you and make this year the year you commit to bettering your physical and mental health, I promise you won't regret it!
