The wellness edit: how staying active boosts your university life

We all know that it’s important to participate in some form of movement or exercise and this is particularly important whilst at university. It can be so easy to fall into a routine of heading to lectures and studying at home that we can forget to take time for ourselves to do things that will make us feel better. There is so much research into the benefits of partaking in physical activity from the NHS, National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organisation. They all show us that exercise can boost our mental health and productivity. For students, whose schedules can be particularly intense and stress levels high, this link between physical and mental wellness is especially relevant. Taking care of our physical health isn’t just about staying fit, it’s about supporting our minds and maintaining balance during what is often a demanding time.

Even low-intensity exercises like yoga, stretching, or a 10-minute walk around campus can have benefits

As it starts getting darker earlier, and earlier, I’m sure we all feel the struggle of wanting to stay in bed, especially as student houses are notoriously cold. But as winter approaches, this period also tends to bring more academic deadlines, exams, and lengthy reading lists, making it easy to feel overwhelmed and fall behind. Taking time for just a bit of movement each day not only boosts our mood by releasing endorphins, but it also increases energy levels and helps with mental clarity which can be necessary after ending up on TikTok and doom scrolling after class. Exercise can break the cycle of endlessly scrolling through social media or zoning out after class, helping us refocus, and we become more productive when we get back to our work.

As students, prioritising physical health is an investment in our academic success

The great thing is, that there are no rules on what type of exercise you should be doing to make you feel better, it simply depends on you. Whether you’re training for the London Marathon or enjoy going on hot girl walks with friends, it is so important to just take a bit of time out of your day to move your body. The best part about being a student is the wide range of options that are often readily available on campus. Warwick offers us so many sports teams, societies, and fitness programs for all interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re into team sports like football and basketball, or prefer individual activities like rock climbing or swimming, there’s likely something available for you to try. If that still seems a bit intimidating then there’s still the gym, classes, running, or walking. Even low-intensity exercises like yoga, stretching, or a 10-minute walk around campus can have benefits for our mental and physical health. No matter what movement you like to do, it’s doing you good.

As students, prioritising physical health is an investment in our academic success and I’m sure we all know this. Sometimes it’s important to just remember the benefits of physical activity that beyond simply feeling fit. During times when staying motivated feels like an uphill battle, it can help to remember that movement doesn’t have to be perfect or time-consuming to be beneficial. So, whether you’re lifting weights or enjoying a walk with friends, well done in taking that time to support your wellbeing.