How Working Out Helps to Keep You Feeling Refreshed

During times of stress and added pressure, we can begin to feel tired, sluggish and even unmotivated. Sure, fatigue and motivation come in waves; but the truth is that those who don’t exercise are more likely to battle with fatigue. Just 30 minutes of exercise per day can do wonders for your health and mind. You’ll be able to attack your study day much better by adding daily exercise into your routine. If you’re struggling to find the energy in your day - this is for you. Here's how working out will help to keep you feeling refreshed.

Exercise boosts your endorphin levels

Have you ever felt a little meh, then taken a jog outside and noticed you instantly felt better? This is because of a boost in your endorphin levels. Endorphins are known as your "feel-good" chemicals or hormones. These hormones can instantly uplift your mood and even reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. This euphoric feeling is known as “runners high” and leads to a feeling of refreshment. Try aerobic activities like basketball, tennis or a hike outdoors! These types of exercise can help to boost those endorphins!

Exercise improves the body's ability to circulate oxygen

That’s right. Exercise improves cardiovascular health which enhances oxygen circulation. The two go hand in hand. This is why immediately after exercise you’ll feel a sudden burst of energy. This increase in energy levels leads to a feeling of refreshment. The more you exercise the fitter you’ll become and the less tired you’ll feel!

Exercise Improves your mental health and mood

All those good endorphins do wonders for your mental health and work to elevate your mood too! This is why we recommend moving your body, even when you don’t feel like it. The mood lift afterwards is so worth it and will make you want to do it all over again! Exercising with a group is also a great way to build connections and make new friendships with like-minded students at university. If there’s a basketball court in your Village – gather your mates and get a team together! It’s a great way to blow off some steam after a long day of study. If you’re a student at Student Village, The University of Melbourne Campus – head along to the all-access free indoor gym for a good sweat-out!

Improves your quality of sleep

This is another reason why exercise is so just good. Exercise allows you to get good quality sleep, so you feel more refreshed and ready to tackle your day! The quality of your sleep improves when you exercise, vs if you don’t. Aim to get your exercise in before 6 pm, as any time after that may disrupt your sleep.

Try a brisk walk outdoors

Don’t underestimate the power of walking. A brisk walk outdoors will fuel your body with fresh air which will help you to feel refreshed. If you’re not used to working out, start with a walk. Aim to build up your fitness level gradually, by slowly increasing the pace and the distance each time. Aim for 8,000-10,000 steps per day and your fitness levels will most definitely increase!

Try Yoga

Yoga is great for improving strength, balance and flexibility – it may seem easy but it’s most certainly not the case. Yoga will provide you with a total body workout that’ll be sure to get all the muscles moving! Did you know we offer Free Yoga Classes in some of our villages? That’s right, come along to a free yoga session at Sydney’s Macquarie University Village & Western Sydney University Village Parramatta!

We hope this has helped motivate you to move your body for your mind. If you are becoming overwhelmed, know that we offer 24/7 support with friendly staff on-site who are always willing to lend you advice and a helping hand.