During mock exams season, I found myself drowning in fatigue with all the constant studying. However, I tried my best to rebuild a more balanced lifestyle by incorporating at-home exercises between study sessions.

Unlike my prior experiences, I tried something new this time. I turned on the camera on my laptop and place its window beside the workout video I was using for instructions. That way, I was able to easily see if I was doing the exercises correctly. I was inspired to do so since a friend of mine on the track and field team would video call me to check if I was doing the moves correctly. However, since we both became busier with school, the calls began to happen less frequently, which is why I began to try out this new method of monitoring myself.

I also began logging my workout as a way to maintain commitment. I later discovered how working out should never be something compulsory and forced. Instead, it slowly grew to become a habit. I found myself more focused when studying–and this actually has psychological roots. Cognitive scientists have discovered that doing something that distracts you (e.g. an exercise) from the course of work you are doing helps a person to regain focus on whatever work they were doing.