I have alienated so many people already with the title of this article but give me a chance! Here’s the thing, school is hard—I have class until 4, a lot of studying to do, working out, writing these lovely articles, etc, etc. For those of us who are up until 1 am every morning doing work, meditating is not so easy. Those extra 5-10 minutes could be used for, you know, basic human functions like eating or taking power naps.

In any case, meditating is hard. I know I’m not alone in saying that sitting for 10 minutes and focusing on some rando from headspace drone on about a “peaceful beach” and “the light inside us all” gets a little old after about minute two. My mind drifts off to my to do list and I find myself thinking about Vanderbilt’s minimum ACT requirnemt rather than “taking cleansing breaths” and all that other bullshit. You know what really gets rid of nagging thoughts? Sweating your ass off. Working out is more efficient because you kill two birds with one stone, it’s good for your body and mind! 

Mindfulness is really important— being int the moment is something I struggle with on a day to day basis. I’m constantly worried about what I should be doing, how I can maximize my time, etc, etc. The only time I’m truly in the moment, fully invested in the present rather than the past or future is when my body is working so hard that I can’t help but to focus solely on the present moment. In the words of Elle Woods “Working out gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don’t kill their husbands.” 

So the next time you’re thinking about doing a 45 minute long guided relaxation, go for a run or to soulcycle instead! You’ll thank me later.