5 Tips to Pump More Iron into your Busy Schedule

1. Schedule your weeks using a Calendar. We recommend Google Calendar along with it’s associated widgets

You'll want to begin organizing your Google Calendar by inputting events on dates that are set in stone and will not change over time. If these events are reoccurring, make sure to use the feature Google provides to save time! We then recommend transcribing all your assignments, exams, and other commitments from your course

syllabuses to your calendar so you don't need to go back and forth to find out specific details. As for exercising, it’s called FITness for a reason, try fitting as many workouts as you can to fill the gaps. When it comes to leisure time, be generous with the time slots you assign, as these will be the ones to go first if you ever need more time. Finally, stay disciplined and follow your schedule religiously. It will be hard at first, but with practice you will form a very healthy habit for yourself in the long-run. Here's an example of a Google Calendar that's being used at it's optimal capacity!

2. Don’t be afraid to put yourself first

As a student, you only have so many hours in a day. Often times, there simply are not enough. This leaves you needing to pick between friends, school, fitness, and sleep. We know it can be hard to back out of plans with friends, but sometimes that is exactly what you will need to do to stay in shape and on top of your school work. Of course, do not neglect your friends. You just need to keep in mind that if they really care about you, they will understand why you need to make time for your health.

3. Understand your circadian rhythm

It's super important to understand your circadian rhythm as a student. What is your circadian rhythm you might be asking yourself. Well it's your body's inner alarm clock that tell you when it's time to sleep and when its time to wake up over the span of 24 hours. As a student its difficult to get a good night's sleep with all the assignments, exams and projects a professor

gives throughout the semester so it's very important to use that calendar we recommended earlier in order for you to get a good night's rest every day. When you're circadian rhythm is working properly, you will feel more rested when you wake up each day and will likely perform better in school.

4. Understand the average attention span

The average attention span of people in their late teens and early twenties is approximately 45 minutes. With this being said, plan out your study sessions accordingly. Aim to have 10 to 15 minutes of leisure time after every 45 minute block.

5. Invest in home gym equipment

Going to the gym undoubtedly has its merits. However, your time can be quickly eaten up by transportation and preparation. By having a few key ingredients like resistance bands, free weights ranging from 5lbs to 30lbs, as squat rack with a barbell and weight plates ranging from 10lbs to 45lbs, training ropes, a bench and a yoga mat.

With these pieces of equipment, you’ll be cooking up a recipe for success. Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in home gym equipment. With Montreal’s COVID-19 restrictions leaving gyms closed, it is nearly impossible to stay in shape without your own equipment.