FITNESS AND ACADEMICS - WHEN YOU LIFT LIKE TEENS
- 11 Sep, 2024
As a student in grade 11 myself, I often find myself having to manage academics and extra-curriculars while also finding time to regularly go to the gym. I’ve come to realise that exercising is more than just about getting in shape, as it often acts as a stress reliever during my exams. I have written down some tips that I find useful balancing my academic life while also striving towards my fitness goals.
1. Using the gym as a break- Anytime I find myself overwhelmed and exhausted by my coursework, I try and go to the gym. Exercising takes my mind of my academics and helps reset my brain so I feel more focused when I come back my work. Several studies have shown that exercising as breaks helps improve the blood flow to the brain , thus improving your information retention capabilities allowing you to study more efficiently. I also soon realised that working out helped me think more clearly which made it a lot easier for me to understand hard concepts after a good gym session.
2. Setting realistic fitness targets- It is crucial for teens to understand the importance of their academics. This means that there might be times where fitness might hve to take the back seat such as during exams. During these periods it is important to set realistic fitness goals, such as allocating only 30 minutes for the gym, or decreasing the number of times you go to the gym weekly.
3. Incorporating active recall- I usually use my time doing cardio- such as the treadmill or ellipse- to either listen to music or think about my day and put my thoughts in order. Several times, right before my exams I have also used this time to just go over everything I learnt in that day. I found that this method of active recall while exercising helps me do daily workout, while also making studying a little less monotonous
4. Using it as an opportunity to socialise- examinations can be quite isolating. During these times I often go days or weeks without meeting or talking to my friends. Getting a friend to join you in the gym provides an outlet to catch up and bond while getting in your daily exercise. This acts as a good refresher and helps you clear your had when you go back to studying.
5. Remember to prioritise yourself!- It is often easy to completely neglect ourselves while trying to balance so many things simultaneously. It is important to remember to celebrate your wins! Managing your academics, extra curriculars and your fitness journey is a big task and it is crucial you acknowledge it and celebrate yourself. You should take regular breaks from both your work and fitness routine and listen to signals your body gives you. Celebrating your small milestones helps you stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude toward both fitness and academics.
