by: Alice Geiger
Since starting college, you may have struggled to make exercise a priority. Schedules get packed with classes, work shifts and downtime with friends. Choosing the treadmill at UREC over anything else may never seem appealing. However, an injury that leaves you with a broken foot and a clunky boot may lead to a few new conclusions - I know it did for me. My injury made me realize how much I truly valued movement. Determined to stay active despite my injury, I decided to start consistently moving my body, boot and all. The results have been holistically rewarding. I’ve seen improvement not just in my physical health but also in my mental well-being, daily structure and social life.
Rethinking Fitness
I used to view exercise as an all-or-nothing effort. If I wasn’t sprinting with max effort or ending my workout heaving, I didn’t feel accomplished. With that mindset, it’s no surprise that exercise was something I grew to dread. My injury has kept me off of my feet, but it led to a perspective shift about fitness. I realized exercise doesn’t need to be something incredibly taxing - it can instead take many forms. Intentional movement that gives you energy and makes you feel stronger is good, whether it’s Pilates, yoga or a slow walk around campus. All of it is valuable.
Endorphin Boost
My limited mobility was a huge frustration, and I resented being unable to perform simple actions I once took for granted. But redirecting that energy into movement, no matter how small, quickly lifted my spirits. It’s no secret that exercise releases endorphins, which contribute to feelings of happiness. However, I’d argue that the real boost comes from a sense of accomplishment. I set out with a goal to move my body, and I followed through. Taking the time to do something good for yourself, no matter how small, sets a positive tone for the entire day.
Building Structure
Another benefit of exercise is the structure it brings to your day. Once I started treating movement as an essential part of my routine, it became as natural as making my bed every morning. Both are small, intentional actions that leave me feeling like I checked something off. The key was shifting my mindset and realizing that exercise doesn’t need to be a two-hour-long production. It could be a simple 30-minute workout while watching Gossip Girl. As a result, I’ve become more efficient at scheduling. I’m waking up earlier, planning for when I need to be on campus, and allowing time to fit in a workout.
New Social Avenue
It’s easy for college students to fall into a rut when it comes to social activities. Many social activities may have a price tag that’s too steep for broke college students. Thankfully, the University Recreation Center is free, and many other local gyms have reasonable prices. Turning exercise into a social activity was a welcome change for me. I started coordinating workouts with my roommates: this not only helped keep us accountable but also gave us a designated time to catch up after busy days.
While facing an injury or setback can be frustrating, it can also serve as an opportunity to redefine exercise and prioritize movement in your life. This small lifestyle shift can lead to a multitude of benefits, both physical and mental. I plan to carry these habits with me well beyond my recovery and I look forward to continuing to be intentional and growing these positive outcomes. Hopefully you can, too.
Comments