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General health

Q.I am a Year 12 student and therefore am so busy with study and homework. I have given-up all my sporting commitments and so I don't do much exercise. I am feeling really depressed lately and really aggravated with everyone and has driven me to 'pigging out' on junk food a lot. My friends tell me to do more exercise but I feel I don't have the time. What should I do to try and motivate myself in doing excersise and to make me in a better mood to concerntrate on my studies?

Thanks for your question. Year 12 can be a difficult year because there seems so much study to do and not enough time plus the frustrations of trying to do things for yourself. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated, and, as you say feeling depressed and aggravated. As you are wanting to balance study and exercise, here are some ideas that may help: A good place to start is to establish a routine by setting aside a particular time for homework/study. Make up a weekly timetable of homework/study you have to do. Include in your timetable some social activities. Timetable regular exercise as exercise makes you feel great, boosts energy and also helps you relax. Exercise can take many forms from going to the gym, going for a brisk walk, walking the dog, bike riding. You could timetable in a minimum of 30 minutes per day of physical exercise. Reward yourself for doing your homework and exercise, i.e. go to the movies, spend time with your friends. Look after yourself, drink and eat right and get enough sleep at night. When you feel you have control over your day and can fit in those things you need to do (homework and exercise) and some things that you enjoy (fun stuff) then you will feel more energised to concentrate and able to focus on your studies. The above information has been reproduced from Somazone with permission from the Australian Drug Foundation. www.somazone.com.au Australian Drug Foundation 2009

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