Trying something new: Running and how it has helped enhance my productivity!

Hello everyone! I hope you are all safe and well, and coping as much as possible right now. I thought that in today’s blog I’d discuss a new hobby that I have been trying out, and the impact that it has had on my productivity with regards to university work.

I’ve never been the sporty type (I literally wrote a blog about this: https://our.warwick.ac.uk/dont-feel-left-out-if-competitive-sports-arent-for-you/). However, the current situation had handed me a lot of free time, as well as a lot of added stress. The thought of taking online exams and completing essays completely at home and far away from the silence of the library has made me feel panicked. 

Now, it’s common knowledge that exercise can help release feelings of stress and tension, but I feel like this message has never quite made itself clear to me. Sure, I walk my dog and usually have a clearer head afterwards. However, it was my mum who suggested that we take up jogging. This was not only to help in terms of well being, but also, because I had really been struggling focusing on working at home.

So, 4 weeks in and what have I learnt?

Well, firstly, and arguably most importantly, it really does help maintain a steady grip over how happy and controlled over my emotions I am. This is because I view a morning run as a release from any negative energy built up from the previous day. Whether this actually physically happens is debatable, but just thinking in this way helps to start my day on a happier, fresher note.

With regards to university work, I can honestly say I am more productive on the days that I have been for a run. I think this is because of a few reasons. Firstly, I feel motivated because I have already done something that morning, so I feel I can continue with my day and achieve more. Secondly, I am not as tired or sluggish because it isn’t the case of crawling out of bed and onto my desk chair. Instead, I come home, jump in the shower and start my day properly. I also think that I can organise my thoughts well after I have cleared my head on a run, so when I get home I try and make a rough ‘to do’ list for the day. 

I want to make clear that the purpose of my blog is to not emphasise the point of trying out loads of new things, because in reality, we are all going to set aims that simply aren’t accomplished due to many factors. I do think it is important, however, to use this platform to share our positive experiences through this difficult time. 

Stay safe everyone, and best of luck to anyone trying to revise and do assignments right now. Take it one day at a time 🙂 

Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash