Beyond the Books: Why Your Mental Health Needs a Workout

The Student Struggle is Real

Your University days can be the best time of your life, a whirlwind of new friends, intellectual discovery, and newfound independence. Though in reality it can also be a stressful time of change. The pressure to excel academically, the looming shadow of student debt, the struggle to forge new social circles and the temptation of newly available unhealthy lifestyle habits can create a perfect storm for mental health challenges, with more students that you may imagine experiencing anxiety and depression.

The most recently available statistics paint a stark picture. A 2022 survey by the mental health charity Student Minds revealed that 57% of UK students self-reported a mental health issue, with 27% having a diagnosed condition. Factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted, with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence highlighting academic and financial pressures, alongside the absence of familiar support networks, as key triggers. The transition to university can be a shock to the system, and it's crucial to acknowledge that feeling overwhelmed is a shared experience.

However, there is at least one scientifically-backed tool to navigate the pressures of student life in which almost everyone can participate: exercise. We'll explore how moving your body can be a profound act of self-care, helping to rebalance your mental wellbeing and empowering you to thrive, not just survive, your university years.

The Unspoken Pressures

Before we dive into the solutions, let's be honest about the challenges:

• The Weight of Academia: The constant cycle of lectures, assignments, and exams can feel like a pressure cooker. This relentless demand can fuel anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed, making it difficult to switch off and truly rest.

• Financial Fears: The reality of tuition fees, accommodation costs, and daily living expenses is a significant source of stress for many students. A 2023 ONS survey found that 91% of students were worried about the rising cost of living, with 49% experiencing financial difficulties that negatively impacted their mental health. This financial strain can cast a long shadow, impacting everything from your social life to your academic focus.

• The Isolation Equation: Moving away from home and familiar faces can be incredibly lonely. Building a new social network takes time and effort, and feelings of isolation are a common, yet often unspoken, part of the university experience. Research has shown a strong link between loneliness and an increased risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression among students.

• Lifestyle Traps: The Sleep and Social Scene: Let's face it, the student lifestyle isn't always conducive to wellbeing. Late-night study sessions, the allure of a vibrant social scene often revolving around alcohol, and inconsistent routines can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. While a night out can be a great way to de-stress, excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt sleep quality and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. This creates a vicious cycle where poor sleep and alcohol fuel mental health struggles, which in turn makes it harder to adopt healthier habits.

Exercise as the Antidote

The good news is that there is a powerful and positive intervention that can help to counterbalance these pressures. Regular physical activity isn't just about building muscle or improving cardiovascular health; it's a potent tool for mental resilience.

Rewiring Your Brain for Wellbeing

When you exercise, your body releases a cocktail of "feel-good" chemicals. Endorphins, often referred to as "nature's high," act as natural mood elevators and pain relievers. Simultaneously, exercise can help to reduce the levels of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol in your body. Over time, a consistent workout routine can actually help your body become more efficient at managing stress.

Think of it as recalibrating your system. The same physiological responses that are triggered by stress – increased heart rate, muscle tension – are mirrored in exercise, but in a controlled and positive way. This process can help to discharge nervous energy and leave you feeling calmer and more centered.

Finding Your Tribe: The Social Power of Movement

One of the most effective ways to combat the loneliness that can permeate university life is to find a sense of community. Group exercise offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that.

A study from Manchester Metropolitan University highlighted that the social interaction and sense of belonging derived from group exercise can significantly boost wellbeing and mental health. Joining a fitness class or a university sports team provides a ready-made social circle of like-minded individuals. The shared experience of a challenging workout or the camaraderie of being part of a team can forge strong bonds and create a vital support network.

Reclaiming Your Sleep: Exercise as a Natural Sedative

The link between poor sleep and poor mental health is undeniable. For students, this can be a particularly challenging cycle to break. While alcohol might seem like a shortcut to sleep, it actually disrupts your natural sleep architecture, leading to a less restorative night's rest.

Regular exercise, on the other hand, can significantly improve sleep quality. It can help you fall asleep faster and spend more time in the deep, restorative stages of sleep that are crucial for memory consolidation and mental wellbeing. By incorporating physical activity into your day, you can help to regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to wind down in the evening and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Making it Work for You

We get it. Finding the time and energy to exercise when you're already feeling stretched thin can be a challenge. But it's not about adding another source of pressure. It's about finding what works for you and making small, sustainable changes.

• Find Your Fun: Exercise shouldn't feel like a punishment. Explore different activities until you find something you genuinely enjoy. Whether it's the high-energy buzz of a HIIT class, the mindful movement of yoga, or the simple pleasure of a long walk in nature, finding an activity you love will make it feel less like a chore and more like a treat.

• Buddy Up: The power of accountability is real. Team up with a friend for your workouts. You're far less likely to skip a session if you know someone is counting on you, and it can turn exercise into a fun social occasion.

• Schedule it In: Treat your workouts like any other important appointment. Block out time in your calendar and stick to it. Even a short 20-minute session between classes can be incredibly beneficial for your focus and energy levels.

• Start Small and Build Momentum: You don't have to go from zero to a hundred. If you're new to exercise, start with one or two sessions a week and gradually increase the frequency and intensity as you feel more comfortable. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

All efforts and any positive steps are sure to pay dividends in the future as the link between positive lifestyle choices and academic achievement at any stage of life are well documented.

Your Mental Health is Your Greatest Asset

University is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritizing your mental wellbeing is not an indulgence; it's a necessity for academic success and a fulfilling university experience. By harnessing the power of exercise, you can build the resilience to navigate the inevitable challenges, forge meaningful connections, and unlock your full potential.

At Fitness First, we understand the unique pressures students face. That's why we offer student member discounts to make fitness more accessible. Though If you or any students you know would benefit from additional support with the themes mentioned in this article then please seek help using the following resources.

NHS - A guide to accessing counselling services for students

UCAS - A hub of wider health and well-being content

Student Minds - A nationwide mental health charity especially for students