Three tips to alleviate stress and increase productivity

If you are looking to ease some anxiety over the new school year, get mentally prepared, feel good and look great, then look no further than this article.

The start of a new school year can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you are moving away from home for the first time, entering a heavy course load. We can all relate to juggling several different aspects of life such as school, work, family, sports, etc. That is why keeping up with your fitness routine is so important.

It is crucial to remain active on a regular basis to help alleviate stress and anxiety. The following steps are three ways to do just that.

Doing something fun

Try group exercise classes or ask a trainer to show you a routine with equipment you’ve never used before.

Being with friends and meeting new people

Group exercise works here again, and so do intramural sports, small group training or asking your friends and classmates to work out with you at certain times.

Releasing adrenaline, frustration and anger by physically pushing yourself to fatigue

Ask a trainer for a challenging routine for your specific goals, attend a punch/ kick-boxing type class and choose exercises that you can use heavy weights or do lots of repetitions.

Working out can also be a time you spend alone or with a few people to think or talk about classes, to do lists, to think or talk about school events or issues, etc. This can help you get into the right mindset about your priorities or your to-do list for the day and week.

The best times to work out is the best time that works for you, so mark it in your schedule as a priority. There is nothing wrong with splitting up a routine over the course of a day if need be (cardio in the morning, weights during the mid-afternoon break and finally, in the evening, can be yoga).

From yoga to bodybuilding, step class to boot camp, there is something that caters to everyone’s needs. If you need help figuring that out, you can set up an appointment at the fitness centre in J building for an orientation (included with membership or with day pass) and discuss your goals with a trainer.