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Motivation

As college students, we have a lot on our plates. With a packed schedule, it can be easy for us to feel burnt out. To succeed in college, we must be motivated. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors can motivate us to do well in school. What about doing well for your physical and mental health? What elements of motivation lead to a sense of overall well-being?

Holding Hands

Motivated College Students

Students with more social support were more motivated to exercise. They were invited out more to exercise with friends. (Franko et al., 2008). Students who had supportive friends and family showed higher chances of eating healthier/dietary changes. Students who are motivated showed higher levels of self-efficacy. They showed higher levels of self-efficacy for eating fruits and vegetables. (Franko et al., 2008). 

How to get motivated?

  • Make a list of goals. Treat it as a checklist.

  • Think about where you see yourself in 5 years. Keeping a journal can help with reaching your goals. 

  • Think about what habits you can make to get there. Some examples may include joining a gym or having a good routine schedule.

  • Find people with similar interests as you. 

  • What are some common diseases in your family? Can they be prevented? (with diet, exercise, etc.?)

Crossing the Finish Line
Exercising

Tips:

  • Look at your screen time. If you see how much time you spend on your devices, that may motivate you to use them less.

  • If you face exercise barriers, you can exercise in your room and watch helpful videos to guide you.

How can others motivate students?

Many university students have barriers to physical activity. These barriers include psychological, emotional, environmental, and sociocultural factors. In the future, more organizations should come to universities to promote physical activity. Implementing evidence-based interventions in colleges has helped many students around the world. (Ferreira Silva et al., 2022). Organizations should also promote healthy eating and how to handle stress as a college student. 

Smiling for the Camera

References

Ferreira Silva, R. M., Mendonça, C. R., Azevedo, V. D., Raoof Memon, A., Noll, P. R. E. S., & Noll, M. (2022).

              Barriers to high school and university students' physical activity: A systematic review.

              PloS One, 17(4), e0265913. https://10.1371/journal.pone.0265913

Franko, D. L., Cousineau, T. M., Trant, M., Green, T. C., Rancourt, D., Thompson, D., Ainscough, J., Mintz, L. B., & Ciccazzo, M. (2008).

              Motivation, self-efficacy, physical activity and nutrition in college students: Randomized controlled trial of an

              internet-based education program. Preventive Medicine, 47(4), 369-377. https://10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.06.013

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