University life can feel like a never-ending list of things to do. Between lectures, assignments, revision and deadlines, finding time to exercise can easily become an afterthought. As a law student, I understand how quickly a day can disappear when there is always another chapter to read or another task to complete.
Before university became such a big part of my daily routine, sport was a major part of my life. I started swimming at 12 and eventually represented Malaysia in international finswimming competitions. Training required commitment and planning, and being an athlete taught me the importance of discipline.
Now that I have retired from competitive finswimming, my routine looks different. I still enjoy being active through swimming, running, yoga and Pilates, but I also have to balance these activities with my academic responsibilities.
One thing I have learned is that staying active does not mean you must follow the same routine every day. Some weeks are more demanding than others, especially when assignments and examinations are approaching. During those periods, a long workout may not be realistic, and that is okay.
Instead of thinking that exercise only counts if I can dedicate a large amount of time to it, I find it more helpful to think about how movement can fit into my schedule. A short walk between study sessions, stretching after sitting for hours or setting aside time for a swim when my schedule allows can all be useful ways to stay active.
Planning also makes a difference. When I know that a particularly busy week is coming, I can think ahead about where exercise might fit instead of leaving it until the last minute. Having realistic expectations helps me avoid treating fitness as another source of stress.
There is also something refreshing about stepping away from books and screens for a while. Studying law requires a lot of reading, concentration and critical thinking. Physical activity gives me an opportunity to change my environment, move my body and return to my work with a different perspective.
Of course, there will be days when university responsibilities have to take priority. Missing a workout occasionally does not mean you have failed. What matters is finding a routine that works over the long term rather than trying to be perfect every day.
For students who want to become more active, my advice is to start small. You do not need to sign up for an expensive gym membership or spend two hours exercising. Begin with an activity you enjoy and choose a realistic amount of time.
Your university years are important, but looking after yourself matters, too. Fitness should support your life, not make it harder to manage.
So, if your schedule feels overwhelming, ask yourself: what is one small way you can move a little more this week without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself?
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Jovy Jing (ndreagoh@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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