How to keep fit while studying for SPM 

Doing just about anything else while studying for the SPM exams can seem increasingly impossible, but none more than trying to keep fit and healthy. From sitting all day cramming in study material to midnight snacks to keep you awake while you burn the midnight oil, keeping fit can truly feel like an attainable goal. But I’m here to tell you that there are a few ways you can incorporate a healthy lifestyle while being a student! 

 

Firstly, you’ll need to set clear and attainable fitness goals. 

One of the quickest ways to fall out of a fitness plan is to make your goals extreme and logically unachievable. Many times, people make their fitness plans around achieving fast results. However, this method of planning usually consists of unrealistic diet plans and exercises which quickly lead to them feeling burnout and unable to complete the plan. Therefore, the goals set should be small but achievable, this allows for one to stick to their fitness plan and meet their goals. Remember, progress takes time and consistency. 

 

Next, you can try to fit in exercises wherever you can. 

While most people would say to make a routine and exercise at the same time every day, this can prove difficult for students with varying timetables. Therefore, whenever you’ve got a break… exercise! Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, any sort of movement makes all the difference. 

 

Most importantly: eating healthy. 

Exercising can help with building stamina and maintain overall wellness, but eating healthy helps you to look and feel healthy as well! Studying can make you crave a bunch of unhealthy meals and snacks, but it is possible to satisfy these cravings with something healthy but tasty! Instead of chips filled with salt and carbs, you can opt for nuts and granola filled with protein and fiber. Instead of a greasy burger filled with sugars and oil, opt for a chicken wrap filled with protein and healthy carbohydrates! The change from unhealthy to healthy may not be easy, but very quickly, you’ll start to see a difference in how your body looks and how you feel.  

 

Walk more! 

To and from school, after school jogs, walking to get groceries, walking to the LRT or MRT… these are just some of the instances where you can fit in a little movement in your day-to-day life. The inclusion of this cardio can be extremely beneficial as walking can help improve posture while also being a form of exercise. Cardio is also known to burn fat which can help students maintain a good physique. Moreover, walking more can also help improve sleep quality which then improves concentration and memory retention while studying. Overall, you can’t go wrong with a few walks during the week. 

 

Finally, you will have to prioritise your sleep. 

Getting a good night’s sleep allows for the body to recover from the day’s activities. Ensuring that you get 8 to 9 hours of sleep every night lets your body and mine fully recharge before the activities of the next day. By getting enough sleep, you’re also decreasing the likelihood of falling ill or catching any sickness. 

 

Though it may be hard to stay fit being a student, it isn’t impossible… where there’s a will, there’s a way!