Staying motivated in college poses many challenges. Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is head to the gym after a long day of classes. However, look at this as time you can take away from an academic setting. This can be your 30 minutes of Netflix time on the treadmill, or your jam session to your most recent Spotify playlist. Taking time to exercise is an integral part of how to stay healthy and happy in college.
The key to staying motivated is identifying your goals and rewards. You may have fitness or personal health goals, and it is important to hold yourself accountable. You can do so by staying organized with the various exercises you plan on doing that specific day. For example, using your agenda as somewhere to document what you would like to get done at the gym, or having sticky notes in your room reminding you to workout.
Keep in mind that the days where you lack the ambitious attitude to go to the gym you need to be thinking about the end result, or reward. Maybe you are looking forward to a party at the end of the week or going out to dinner Sunday night with friends. This can motivate you to continue to push yourself at the gym!
Another option is to workout with a friend. Set up a specific day and time where you both can workout together. Although some people view working out as an individual activity, a workout buddy can also help to encourage you while exercising. You are more likely to keep running on the treadmill if you have your bestie running alongside you.
Lastly, it’s all about mindset. Why view working out as something negative when you are solely getting positive results from it? You must train your mind before your body by understanding physical exercise is a break from all the stresses you face on a day to day basis. I encourage you to look forward to the hour you can spend at the gym, and the refreshed feeling you will have after the workout, it’s worth it.