We’ve all had days where we are off our game. Days where we are behind for whatever reason. Days where no matter what we do, we’ll be just a tiny bit late. You could have been stuck in traffic, or had another class or meeting that ran long, or maybe you had to do some chores before you left your room. Whatever reason you have for being late, if that speaks to you, then this advice is for you: run!
The only reason I am writing this is because I was late to a staff meeting and was told to write it instead of choosing a different article. Which brings me to the newest addition to The Current’s exercise routine: running across campus because you are late, again.
Whether you are late for a meeting, like I was, or late for class on an exam day, just run. Run to that important thing you have to do. Do your best to get to it on time. If it helps, maybe channel your hunter gatherer ancestors and pretend a bear is chasing you to motivate you. Let that fight or flight response kick in and race to class. Let out a nice long blood curdling scream as you sprint across the library quad to your chemistry lab which started ten minutes ago.
I could tell you that running is good for you, or that it releases endorphins or something that is good for your mood, but do you really think I’m going to say that? Yes, running might be good for you, but at what cost? Don’t run for your health, run because you are late. Run because your professor has already started class and you are missing the most important information of the semester. Run because you’ve been late to every class this week and you can’t handle getting any more disappointing looks from your professors. Run so you don’t show up late to your staff meeting and have to write a fitness article, knowing full well that you haven’t been to the gym in months.
Okay, maybe I will tell you a little bit about the benefits of running, especially right before going to class. Running gets the heart pumping and helps to release hormones and neurotransmitters that can improve mood, which can help you learn better. Your mental state influences how you learn. When you learn while in a good mood, you are more likely to remember what you learned before.
Speaking of being late, I was a few minutes late to class because I was rushing to finish this article, but at least I am not running to meet my deadline.
