The Benefits of Regular Exercise as a College Student
Written By: Natalie Koeber
This one goes out to all my fellow college students: With the stress and anxiety regarding school work that can so quickly cloud our brains, it is so important to have a healthy outlet to get your mind off things.
I have realized over the past couple years that daily exercise is so important for my mental health as a student. We as millennial's, from age 18-33 are recorded to have the highest levels of stress. But are we really too busy to exercise? There are many reasons our exercise levels may decrease as we grow older. One of which could be the transition from high school to college, an injury or lack of motivation. But exercise does not have to be complicated. It can be a simple walk around the neighborhood or it could be an hour of heavy lifting. That is the beauty of it! You can do what you WANT!
Regular exercise reduces stress and anxiety because exercise releases “happy chemicals” in your brain. Certain neurotransmitters, endorphins, endocannabinoids (the system involved in regulating mood) are all affected by exercise. Some studies also suggest that increased body temperature from exercise could have a calming effect on your brain and body. So maybe it is a good idea to go for a quick 30 minute walk or run on the treadmill before starting your homework, it gives your “brain a break” and allows you to focus better on homework or studying.
Exercising regularly can also lower your risk of heart disease. High blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can be avoided earlier in life by exercising. Cardiovascular exercise is basically an exercise for your heart! Some examples of these types of workouts are walking, jogging, jump roping, bicycling and swimming. Bring a friend along and make it fun! These exercises can help lower blood pressure and make your heart stronger. The increased blood flow to the heart helps keep it healthy and it keeps your heart muscles strong! Exercise can be any form of physical activity, so find what you love and do it! I know that we are all super busy with school, jobs, sports, volunteering and just life in general but our health is so important. A 45-minute workout is only 3% of your day. 3% of your day for a healthier tomorrow. Exercising regularly now, while we are young, sets us up for a healthy future!
Stay motivated friends! We cannot wait to welcome you all back!
-Natalie
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