Cozy, warm and tucked into my warm bed. Right in the middle of a dream about no school and playing in the snow, a loud “BRRRIIINNNGGG” opens my eyes. I slam the snooze button on my phone; it’s five in the morning.
I just want more sleep. I don’t want to move. I don’t want to leave this warmth. As I lay there contemplating to go back to sleep or to get my butt out of bed and go workout, I feel torn. Maybe I could work out later?
One side taunts me. “Wait, you have class from eight to three, you have work and dance. Then there is homework, and eating and actually get to sleep before 11.” So, now is my time. But, how do I find motivation? Why can’t I just lay here and try again tomorrow? No.
With hours at school, hours of homework, work, eating, sleeping and trying to live happily, it is hard to put working out on the top of the to-do list.
Yet, it needs to be. School and homework and work are all important, but do you really think you can apply yourself in those areas the best you can without giving your health and mental health a chance to be good?
Here are some ways to stay motivated when you are tired, stressed and feel like there is no time.
Working out in the morning may be dreaded, but it has its benefits. You are also more likely to workout then, rather than if you put it off until after your long day.
Although it is hard to drag yourself out of warm bed especially when outside is below freezing, it will benefit you in the long run. You have more time and energy and could also use it as a chance to study or get some reading out of the way for the day.
Write out a plan. As it may sound like more work, take an hour every Sunday to sit down and plan out your week. With this, you also have to understand that things come up and it won’t always be stuck to, but it is a start and try to stick with it.
When you make a plan include all classes, the homework that you know about already, workout time, work, any other activities and even relaxing time. Using a table or spreadsheet is easiest when doing this.
It may even help to add in what is for dinner and that way you can get all the groceries you need instead of running to the store throughout the week. When you plan out, try and be realistic, don’t go too extreme.
Set yourself up for the day the night before. If you get everything prepared before at night there will be less stress in the morning. This way you can wake up, grab your belongings and head out.
Nothing will be holding you back. Pack your clothes, books, coffee, food and whatever else you need for the day. When I have my classes on Tuesday and Thursday the nights before I get everything set up and close the door.
That way it’s not sitting in my bedroom, but physically close to where I can grab and go. I get my breakfast and lunch ready and put it in the fridge or freezer. Then I set up my french press with coffee so all I have to do is pour and heat it up. I get all my other drinks together since I am a huge tea drinker. Then I set everything out in the corner of the kitchen counter, ready to go.
When you are utterly exhausted and hear that alarm, know that you can do it. Know that if you do go and workout before classes or after classes that you will get endorphins and will feel better. The gym opens at five in the morning.
The earliest most classes start is eight. That gives three hours for students and faculty members to hit the gym. My tip is to set your alarm for five. Slowly get up, put on the workout clothes that were pre-laid out the night before, heat up that coffee or tea and sip slowly as you put on jackets and whatever else you need.
Since I live off campus, I take advantage of those three to five minutes that I heat up my car. I try not to sit down, but keep moving while I get ready and drink my coffee. Then by six, I can be at the gym and ready to sweat.
The other option is the gym stays open until ten. Students can take advantage of late night workouts as well. If mornings and days are hectic take time to relax after your long day and after dinner wait an hour or so then head over to the gym to get yourself relaxed and sweated out before going home, taking a shower and laying in that heavenly bed.
Working out is a great way to relieve stress and also to take your mind away from academics. Know that if you miss a day or don’t stay on your schedule it is okay. It is okay for to not get up or go home after long hours of class instead of the gym.
But, don’t make it a habit. I know that this semester I have made it a habit to say, “Oh, I will do it later, or I did a lot of homework last night so I need my sleep.” No. Those are excuses. I know I use them and I’m telling you do not.
I always feel better after working out. I get a better nights rest, I feel energized afterward or relaxed depending on how much I do. The goal is to do what you need to do for you. If you want to stay healthy or relieve stress or neither, going to the gym is great for your mental and physical health. Just remind yourself why you go. That is key to motivation.
When laying in bed debating to get up or not or as you are walking to your car or dorm from the end of classes, remember what it could do for you. Push through those barriers of excuses and head over to the Maverick center. I know for a fact that once you are there, you won’t regret it.
