You’re sitting at home with your macbook open. You stare at a blank google doc with the cursor blinking at you, tauntingly. You have what seems like a thousand other assignments pending, and you can’t seem to get started. It is almost as if your mind has gone blank. This can’t happen now! You have a strict deadline for all these assignments. How can you finish your work? How do you clear your mind in a short amount of time?

Unfortunately, this is a common reality for students at JP. For many, it is difficult to fully focus and absorb large amounts of information. It can range from remembering specific math formulas to memorizing different scientific processes. Taking in all this information from different classes without feeling overwhelmed is very difficult. There are many solutions to this issue, but, arguably, the most effective solution is to get exercise.

Working out can boost your mood and reduce stress. Doing physical activities can release endorphins in your brain, which are brain chemicals that increase your mood. As students, it is important to focus on school-related activities such as homework and extracurriculars, however it can be very difficult to concentrate or get started. Exercising or going to the gym improves cognitive function and increases productivity. Cognitive function refers to different mental processes that helps understanding and taking in information like problem-solving and decision making. These skills are necessary in everyday life, and are especially helpful in school. Working out is very beneficial in terms of mental and physical health, and improves your overall quality of life.

 Although, it is important to acknowledge exercise can be costly and inconvenient, there’s several ways to get exercise without requiring a gym membership such as running outside or going on your bike. The lives of JP students are filled with homework, after school activities, and social events. Going to the gym is the best way to clear your mind and maintain sanity throughout the school year, however any sort of exercising is beneficial.

Working out seems like an effective yet time consuming solution to clearing up your mind. If you are willing to spend time and go often, the gym is an effective and rewarding solution to clearing your mind.