5 Daily Exercise Activities for Busy Students

Yes. Put one leg in front of the other and off you go. While you clutch a steaming hot Starbucks beverage with your left hand, reach for the stair railing with your right. Climbing a few flights of stairs is not much, but it certainly counts as exercise if you do it on a regular basis. It doesn’t need to be for 10 flights at a time either; it makes sense to take the stairs for short trips in either direction, rather than waiting for the elevator.

Sitting for three hours straight while studying in the library can be tiring both physically and mentally. Take five minute breaks every 45 minutes. Brief walks to the nearest water fountain or tap give you time to stretch, hydrate, and clear your mind. Short breaks keep you alert and help you concentrate – you’re also able to retain more information. Take advantage of the breaks your professors give you in class as well – leaving the room for a few minutes does wonders for your energy level.

It sounds counter-intuitive, right? You’ve only imagined getting off at the wrong stop after falling asleep or being deep in thought or conversation. It’s good for you! Getting off the bus or train one stop earlier gives you a longer distance to walk, and can be a very enjoyable form of exercise when the weather is nice. When the sun is shining, it can improve your mental health as well.

Exercise without proper diet is like a Ferrari without an engine – it looks good on the outside, but won’t get you anywhere. You’ve heard it before – you’re not just what you eat, you’re what you absorb. Oats, vegetables, nuts, fish and all the other healthy food you tend to avoid are vital. Pizza, fries and burgers may be pocket-friendly meals, but they mostly contain empty calories, meaning they keep hunger away but fail to adequately nourish your body. For more insights on your diet, check out 5 ways to stay healthy at school, or the top 10 food items you should have in your kitchen. Remember that eating healthy does not need to be an expensive or time-consuming activity.

With a little improvisation, you can create your own – inexpensive – home gym. Conduct a quick tour of your kitchen, and chances are you’ll find one or two cans of baked beans or chick peas. With your imagination, you can turn those into dumb bells. They won’t help you build remarkable biceps, but it’s a good starting point. You can eventually graduate to using real weights at the gym or purchasing your own set when you have more time. In your bedroom, challenge yourself to 10 push-ups and sit-ups every morning before stepping out.