Walking back to your car after classes in November is not what it used to be in September. Two months ago, you could easily find yourself sitting in the shade with some friends or stopping somewhere before going home because there were still hours left before the sun set. In November, it gets dark before evening classes even begin, and once you are done, all you can think about is turning on the heat and getting into bed. It is no wonder that if you used to plan after-dinner walks, you are finding fewer and fewer opportunities to do so these days. That part of the day has simply changed.
Heading back outside for a walk can feel like a lot more effort, but it is important not to lose motivation. Even if you only have 20 minutes between classes, go for a walk. Grab a snack, then walk from the Student Center to the Great Hall and back, or take any route around campus. If you usually hang out with friends after grabbing coffee, try drinking it while walking instead of sitting inside.
If you are a commuter with a car, the best time to walk might be right before you leave campus. Once you drive home, change into your pajamas, and open your laptop, there is almost zero chance that you will want to put your shoes back on. Pack your sneakers the night before and leave them in your car or bag. Take advantage of the fact that the gym on campus is free and all you have to do is scan your student ID. I would suggest planning ahead and giving yourself 30 minutes to walk on the treadmill before driving home. Group fitness classes are also available through Monmouth’s Hawk Hub app. If you have a friend who wants to go with you, signing up together can make your first class easier and much more enjoyable.
I understand that there will be some days in November when all you want to do is leave class, go home, and stay warm. You can still fit in some physical activity without having to go outside. Try 10-minute exercise routines on YouTube, make it fun by following Just Dance videos, or stretch while watching your favorite television shows. After spending hours listening to lectures and working on homework, you will probably need some time away from the computer anyway.
If you have an afternoon off, enjoy the privilege of living so close to the beach. The Long Branch boardwalk is a destination worth visiting even in November, as long as the weather cooperates. Meet a friend somewhere near Pier Village, grab yourself a coffee, and take a stroll by the water while catching up. Just remember to bring a jacket because the temperature difference between the parking lot and the area near the water can be enormous.
Instead of leaving plans up to your group chat that has been trying to organize something since October, make something happen by choosing an actual time and location. Go bowling on a Friday night or see if people want to play basketball. Monmouth also offers intramural sports for anyone interested in joining a more organized game. It is much easier to postpone going to the gym until tomorrow when you are only accountable to yourself. However, it becomes a lot harder to cancel when your friends are counting on you to show up.
The hardest weeks to stay active are usually the ones when you could use a break the most. Instead of spending 20 minutes staring at the same paragraph, get up and go somewhere that gives you a little space from studying. If you have a dog, take them for a walk. Go grab something to eat or even call a friend and talk for a couple of minutes while walking outside. This way, you can give yourself some time to relax without adding one more thing to schedule into your already busy student life.
Another way to get some movement in is by walking a few laps around a mall. This gives you the opportunity to look through stores, stop to try things on, and maybe even make a trip with a friend. It is an easy option when the weather outside is cold, especially if you already have another reason to visit the mall. You can even give yourself a small goal to accomplish while you are there, such as shopping for a Christmas gift for someone.
As the final weeks of the semester slowly approach, there might be days when you have a whole afternoon free, as well as days when you only have 15 minutes left for some exercise. Whatever time you have, try to make it productive and fun. Go to the gym when it is sunny, visit the boardwalk, or send a text to your friends to finally arrange those plans. It is nice to have something on your calendar that gets you out of your chair and has absolutely nothing to do with your GPA.
