Student fitness tips: how to stay active
As a student, it can be tough to balance your academic commitments, social life, and a healthy lifestyle. However, incorporating physical activity into your routine can significantly improve both your physical and mental well-being. Here are some tips to help you stay active and healthy:
1. Prioritise exercise
1. Prioritise exercise
As a student there are numerous reasons to include exercise into your lifestyle including boosting brain function and improving memory and that is without the physical benefits of improving your health, managing your weight and building stronger bones and muscles. But how do you make sure you do it?
• Schedule it: Treat exercise like any other important appointment. Schedule it into your daily or weekly routine.
• Start small: Begin with short, manageable workouts and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you progress.
• Find what you love: Choose activities that you enjoy, whether it's dancing, swimming, hiking, or playing a sport. This will make it easier to stay motivated.
• Schedule it: Treat exercise like any other important appointment. Schedule it into your daily or weekly routine.
• Start small: Begin with short, manageable workouts and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you progress.
• Find what you love: Choose activities that you enjoy, whether it's dancing, swimming, hiking, or playing a sport. This will make it easier to stay motivated.
2. Make the most of student resources
Many educational establishments offer a wide range of resources and facilities to support student wellbeing and academic success. Take advantage of these resources to stay active and enhance your learning experience.
3. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine:
Making physical activity part of your everyday lift is about moving your body regularly. Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant health benefits.
• Active commuting: Engage in some human power to get from A to B. Consider walking or biking to campus rather than taking public transport. This could save you money as well as boost your activity levels.
• Take walking breaks: Lectures and studying can see you sitting for long periods of time. Try to get up and move around every hour or so to promote circulation and boost your energy levels.
• Choose active hobbies: Hobbies like dancing, gardening, or rock climbing can help you stay active and have fun. By incorporating physical activity into your leisure time, you can make exercise a more enjoyable and sustainable part of your lifestyle.
4. Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet provides the essential nutrients your body needs to function optimally. By eating a variety of foods from different food groups, you can ensure that you're getting all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you need to stay healthy and be active.
• Fuel your body: A balanced diet provides the energy you need to stay active. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables to provide long-lasting energy which will also help with mental focus.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and optimize your performance. Good hydration is essential for optimal physical and cognitive function.
• Limit processed foods and sugary drinks: By reducing your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks, you can improve your health, boost your energy levels, and enhance your overall well-being.
5. Get enough sleep
Prioritising sleep will give your body time to repair itself and leave you energised and ready for both physical and mental activities. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and dark, quiet sleeping environment to achieve 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each evening.
6. Set realistic goals
Setting realistic goals will provide a clear path to success, boost motivation, reduce stress and enhance your self-esteem.
• Start small: When starting a new fitness routine of adopting healthier habits it is important to set achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed and prevent burnout.
• Track your progress: Use a fitness tracker or journal to monitor your workouts and celebrate your achievements, not matter how small.
• Be patient: Progress takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Building fitness and developing healthy habits is a journey, not a sprint.
By following these tips, you can make exercise a regular part of your life and improve your overall health and well-being. Remember, small steps can lead to big changes. So, start today and make a commitment to a healthier, happier you.
