Ah, exercise. What a controversial activity for the lazy millennial. Whether we’re fitness junkies or full-time couch potatoes, we’ve all been there – using every excuse under the sun to put off an active lifestyle.

We’re too tired, too busy, too poor, too self-conscious, too full, too hungry, too stressed or too hungover. But I’m telling you now to drop your excuses and pay attention – if you can get your behind out of that comfortable beanbag, I promise you that a little exercise can drastically enhance your productivity and wellbeing.

Here’s how incorporating exercise into your weekly routine will allow for a more successful semester of uni.

Might Free Up More Time In Your Day

Too busy? Ever rolled your eyes at the people going on about how the busier they are, the more they get done? Well, it turns out that they’re not just trying to toot their own horn. Think about how much more productive and motivated you feel after accomplishing something during the day – whether that be finishing an assignment, finally doing your laundry or making the perfect cheese toastie.

Productivity is contagious – it carries on from one activity to the next. So, theoretically if you squeeze in a quick 30-minute workout, you’re way more likely to complete any other tasks that you had planned for the rest of that day. It’s a short, easy way to ensure that you accomplish more throughout your day.

Boosts Endorphins

I used to call these brain-dolphins (I think this had something to do with my own association with dolphins making people happy? Or perhaps it had something to do with the similarities in spelling between ‘dorphins’ and ‘dolphins?’). Anyway, endorphins are these little neurotransmitters in our brains that can trigger a positive feeling in our bodies – also known as the ‘runner’s high.’ It’s been described as a feeling of euphoria and is often accompanied by a positive and energising outlook on life.

So, if you’ve ever got a busy week but you’re feeling a little under the weather, head to the gym for a quick pick-me-up. Here’s the catch though – these little guys won’t show up unless you push yourself to the point of physical exertion. So make sure you put in 100 per cent to reap the rewards of these fantastic brain dolphins.

Its A Way To Socialise

Got a tight study schedule but dying to see your friends? Productivity 101 = Multitasking 101. Catch up with a friend or two over a workout. Tick your socialising requirement off for the next few days whilst also moving your body. This can also make exercise way more fun.

Provides Stress Relief

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed or perhaps struggling with your mental health, sometimes it can be hard get things done. Well, what do you know; exercise actually reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones that are causing these negative emotions (adrenaline and cortisol).

So no matter how unmotivated you may now feel, or how comfortable your bed may appear, you must get your ass up, even if it’s just for a quick 20-minute walk. You’ll feel ten times better, I promise. Tomorrow will be easier, you’ll get more things done and you’ll feel more like yourself again.

Puts You In A Goal-Oriented Mindset

It’s all about your mindset. Positivity and work ethic are contagious, not just between people, but between your own daily tasks. If you’re feeling a little uneasy about getting back into the swing of things for this upcoming semester of uni, perhaps you could start setting yourself some exercise goals and actively work towards them. Chances are, it will put you in that ideal goal-oriented mindset for uni and you’ll find yourself wanting to work harder to achieve your goals in all aspects of your life.

So, there we have it. If you want to smile more, get better grades, be more productive and just feel better about yourself then exercise, goddammit!

(Lead image: Clueless/Paramount)