With the copious amounts of school work and personal responsibilities associated with high school life, it can be difficult for one to find the time to stay fit while keeping up with the demands of their classes, jobs, and other activities both through school and not.

If you participate in a school sport or one that takes place outside of school, then staying fit isn’t much of a problem. But say sports aren’t your thing or maybe your sport has already ended for the season; you may want to listen up.

1. Start now. Not in a year, not next week, not later today, right now. We’ve all at one point said, “Oh yeah, I’ll work out later.” Well, it’s later. If you keep putting the things you want to do off to the side, they may just accidently get pushed off the edge.
2. Find a workout plan that works for you. Everyone is different when it comes to fitness – different levels, different abilities, and different preferences – try to find an activity that is suited to your personal needs and interests. You’re more likely to actually do your workout if you genuinely enjoy it.
3. Plan for future fitness. If you’re looking for a long-term workout schedule but can’t seem to find the time, try making time. Say your afternoons are usually packed with school work – try waking up an hour or half an hour early. Say you prefer to sleep in – try working out later at night or in between assignments for school or shifts at work.
4. Phone a friend. If you’re having trouble getting started, look to a friend for advice or motivation – even better, invite them to workout with you; a little friendly competition may be just what you need.
5. Be happy! The whole point of staying physically active is to be the best you can be and feel the best you can feel. If you are absolutely miserable with your workout routine and it’s a struggle to put yourself through it, simply experiment with different activities – running, biking, swimming, skiing, playing with a pet or your siblings – the possibilities are endless. Although an activity may not be easy at first, if you enjoy it and are determined to succeed, there is nothing you cannot accomplish.

Staying fit is essential to our bodies not only physically, but mentally as well. With all the benefits staying active can bring – increased energy, better mood, mental sharpness, improved confidence – it’s a very important aspect of our lives and it can drastically change how we perceive the world and those around us.