College can be pretty time-consuming. With four or five classes, a job, and one or two extracurriculars, we're neck deep in work before we know it. On top of all that, we have to balance a social life to keep from going insane. This often leaves us with little time for ourselves, which leads most people to overlook a vital aspect of the college experience: fitness and physical health.
Or is it mental? Yes, perhaps it's common knowledge that running or stair-stepping can trim waistlines and improve heart and lung health. But as it turns out, working out doesn't only improve your appearance and bodily health.
A slimmer figure or more toned muscles can work wonders in making people feel good about themselves. Now, you don't have to be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger to gain confidence; exercise inherently boosts self-esteem and encourages a positive self-image. Regardless of how much you weigh or how out of shape you think you are, exercise can quickly elevate your perception of your own attractiveness.
Say you've had a rough week, or even just a worse test grade than you expected. Research has proven that breaking a sweat can increase the brain's concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps to reduce mental anxiety. While we're on the subject of tests, various studies have shown that cardiovascular exercise can induce neurogenesis (the formation of new brain cells) as well as improve mental cognition in general. Who knew going to the gym could make you smarter?
If you go to a school like Tufts where the weather isn't always the best, this one might not be for you. But hey, we still have a beautiful campus, so why not? Going outside for a short walk and simply taking in the great outdoors (no, not while you're rushing to your 8 a.m.) could heighten your creativity and make it easier for you to get more work done faster.
So, next time you feel like you're too busy to exercise three or four times a week, remember this article. Know that going to the gym will help you feel so much better; physically yes, but even more importantly, mentally. Take a friend with you and push each other—you'd be surprised how fun it can be. Just make time for it. Skip that extra episode on Netflix and get your sweat on. We all start somewhere!
