Working Out the Stress
Being a full-time student and having to manage school, work, social life, and family can be hard. There are many different reasons why college students get stressed out throughout the whole semester, so finding something that helps you cope with it all is key. I have found that working out and working on my health helps me forget about everything going on for a minute and just enjoy that time to make myself better. Here are three ways to make time for your health and keep your stress level under control.
Set a Schedule
One way I have been able to manage my time while in college is to set a daily agenda of everything I need to do, including my workout. Keeping a schedule is crucial in planning your day, so everything you have to do gets done on time. Sometimes you might think you aren’t able to get your workout in because you have a test to study for, but exercising actually helps you retain more information. It gives your brain a break and your body an outlet to release some energy. For me, making time for the gym has become a habit and my day is better once I get my workout in. Whether it be at six in the morning or nine at night, I always make it a point to go. While it may be hard to prioritize, finding something that separates you from your day-to-day stress can bring more balance into your life.
Have No Fear
If you have never been to a gym before, start by going and doing something you know how to do and slowly integrate more workouts. Do not be afraid of going to the gym because of what other people might think of you; everyone at the gym is focused on their workout and most people are even willing to help you. Since I go to the gym so often, I see many of the same people, but I also enjoy seeing new faces. The more you go, the more friends you have the opportunity to make.
Bring a Friend
Taking friends with you keeps you accountable and adds an extra level of encouragement to the workout. Coming up with workouts can be hard, so having a group to go with allows you to have people to bounce ideas off of and help you try something new. While I haven’t been able to convince all my friends to go with me, seeing those that have grown in it has been so rewarding. Going with friends makes it less like a chore and more like a fun outlet.
People may say they don’t have time, but I believe there is always time for the gym. There will be days off because your body needs rest, but the point is that many of the students working out at the gym have busy lives and choose to make time because they know it makes them better. Making sure your body is healthy in college is important, and going to the gym makes you feel good both physically and mentally. I hope every student in college that is dealing with stress gives the gym a chance because it truly can be life changing.
About the author
Jesus Hernandez
Jesus Hernandez is a junior majoring in Business Management at Fresno State University, part of the California State University system. In his free time, he enjoys working out, being with family, and watching sports. Jesus has over 300 hours of volunteer work and has coordinated two networking events at Fresno State. He enjoys being a Pearson Campus Ambassador on campus and working on new projects each month.
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