Exercise

Why should you get moving? 

Research shows that all forms of physical activity has positive effects on both our physical and mental health. It helps you feel less stressed and sleep better, has positive effects on your concentration and decision making. It can improve your creativity and memory, has demonstrable effects on depression and can be a way to manage and reduce anxiety.  

A student’s daily life can involve a lot of sitting still, which in itself has negative effects on both the body and the brain. A half-hour walk has a great effect on counteracting the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Taking short breaks and moving at regular intervals throughout the day is a big help.  

Remember that the best kind of exercise is the one that gets done!  

 It doesn’t matter what shape you are in or how you get moving, a small change can have a big effect. A brisk walk, a bike ride, walking up the stairs of the highest building on campus, inline skating. Start with what you enjoy doing!     

Some tips for getting started:  

• Don’t sit still for too long! Take a few breaks to move during the day, even if you just stand up and stretch for a few minutes.   
• Increase daily physical activities! Walk up the stairs instead of taking the lift, walk instead of taking an electric scooter, and so on.   
• Move around outside. Daylight also helps improve your sleep.  
• Do muscle strengthening activities (strength training) a few times a week. This may involve carrying heavy loads, lifting weights, or walking uphill.  
• Adjust your exercise based on how you feel. If you are sick or exhausted, don’t exercise intensively. Instead, aim to get more sleep and take leisurely walks.  
• Take it easy at first and increase your exercise gradually.  
• Choose kinds of exercise that you find fun! Be kind to yourself and reward yourself when you have been active!