Everyday tasks and struggles can have you searching for the best way to de-stress and relax. This week, I used exercise to cope with my stress. For four days this week, I went to the gym or did a quick workout at home to get my blood pumping to get ready for the day and prepare myself for school.

Even though I was focused on working my body, I brought my homework to do while walking and I did feel a difference in my focus on the work. I felt that since I was walking and reading at the same time, I tried a lot harder to focus on what I was reading and felt I processed a lot more than I would’ve if I was just sitting at a desk like I do at school all day. Even though I was at the gym, I was able to work on school and feel healthy because I was sticking to going to the gym everyday. Trying to balance school work, exercise and social life is tough but having someone come with you can bring everything together!

I would say that exercise did help me with my stress because it forced me to read and actually do my homework so I wasn’t procrastinating all week and creating more stress for myself. Even if it’s just a quick at home workout, it does help with feeling more awake, focused and makes you feel more accomplished with what you did at the end of the day. I encourage everyone to find their own favorite ways to de-stress.