One of the regular challenges college students face is staying fit. Many see exercise as a distraction from their studies, but it can actually help improve study habits. Here are some tips you shouldn’t miss!
A study by Michigan State University found that active students tend to have higher GPAs than other students.
So, how can you find the time to exercise? With a full course load, it can be tough to stick to the daily or weekly workout routines you enjoyed before college. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stay in shape without sacrificing your grades.
Most college students don’t have time to cook a healthy breakfast every morning before class. Instead of relying on fast food or Pop-Tarts, spend a couple of hours at the start of the week cooking enough healthy food to last you throughout the week.
Consider making oatmeal bars, frozen smoothie packets, healthy casseroles, or other easy-to-make bulk foods that are convenient for on-the-go eating. Divide these into portions and store them in individual containers. This way, you’ll depend less on unhealthy snacks, and if your food is already prepared, you’ll have more time to either get ready for the day or head to the gym in the mornings.
As full-time students are usually away from their living space during lunch and dinner, they often resort to campus dining or fast food. Most fast food isn’t healthy, but with a bit of research, you can find smart options at any restaurant.
Check out the online menus from your favorite places when you have spare time, so you know what healthy choices are available. Even switching from soda to water can be a great step towards healthier daily habits.
It might seem impossible to study and exercise simultaneously, but many students manage to do it successfully. Record your professor’s lectures and put them on your phone. Then, listen to them while running on a treadmill at the gym or taking a walk around campus. This approach works well, especially for auditory learners and courses that need memorization.
You can also combine exercising with studying in creative ways. For example, do yoga while flipping through flashcards. Turn your stretching routine into a study session by holding a challenging pose until you can memorize the information on a card. With some creativity, you could turn your study sessions into workouts, helping you lose weight while also boosting your grades!
Online classes offer great flexibility, especially for full-time students. Instead of being confined to a classroom, online degrees let you choose a learning environment that works best for you. Just because the class is online doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors.
Take your computer outside and breathe some fresh air while working. Being outdoors can benefit your learning process and keep you active. Instead of sitting on a bench outside your dorm, pick a location that requires a hike to reach. Just ensure the place is safe for your computer and has Wi-Fi if needed.
Fit small amounts of exercise into your daily routine. Instead of walking straight to your buildings, take a longer route. If you’re early to class, stroll through the different levels of the building.
Use the stairs instead of the elevator. It might seem like you don’t have time for these detours, but you might find you don’t need to rush all the time. Plus, the exercise will make you more awake and alert, helping you make better use of the time you have.
It’s easy to neglect exercise with so much on your plate. While it might seem like a hassle or distraction, you don’t have to give up on your physical health to maintain your grades. With some time and effort, developing a healthy routine can pay off in the long run.
