As you study for your current CLEP or online course, it gets really easy to keep reading and studying… and not go outside for a walk or a run. Usually if you are a distance learning student you are have a mind set to get your degree as quickly as possible. Anything other than school work gets pushed to the side. Especially exercise. Who wants to go for a run or stretch for awhile? However, taking daily time to get outside and breathe deeply is hugely beneficial for you, your body, your mind, and your study habits. Daily, vigorous exercise helps your brain learn and concentrate on your studies. It also reduces your stress level and clears your mind for more study. Physical Exercise helps you:
- maintain a healthy weight
- build and maintain healthy bone density
- build muscle strength and joint mobility
- strengthen your immune system
- reduces cortisol in your system (cortisol caused health problems)
- reduces chances of heart disease, diabetes, insomnia, and high blood pressure
Here are some good ways to get more exercise.
Settle on a plan and schedule
I’m using the Couch to 5k plan. Although my body wants to jump to almost half way through the plan on the first day, my sister, Rachel, has assured me that the easiest way to get a sports fracture is not build up my muscle well on running. So, I’m back to square one. 🙂 Get a plan or a schedule for whatever you want to do and stick to it!
Do something you enjoy
Running? Biking? Swimming? How do you enjoy getting exercise? Pick your favorite mode and pursue that, don’t feel guilty that you aren’t doing something else. Just because your friends bike, it doesn’t mean you have too.
Get music and old clothes
Get clothes you don’t mind getting sweaty and dirty in. Sorry, that’s one of the side effects of exercising. And get some music or a book on tape to listen to. (except swimmers) I switch off between Adventures in Odyssey’s Green Ring Conspiracy and worship music.
Schedule a daily exercise time
And don’t give excuses. No exceptions.
Any ideas from you? Please let me know if you have any!