During the first few weeks of January, the ARC is more packed than a city with an overpopulation crisis. As such, all the classic gym-goer archetypes are out in full force. You see the consistent lifters whose bodies seem to have been chiseled by the fitness gods, to the runners who wear perfect matching workout garb, to the people who have probably just stepped on the elliptical for the first time in months (me).

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, the vast majority of us make it our goal to get in the gym. In fact, the Statistic Brain Research Institute found “losing weight” to be 2015’s number one resolution made.SS However, other resolutions are also commonly made, for example, “make new friends,” or “stop procrastinating.”http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/

Sadly enough, Forbes reports merely 8 percent of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. SSLuckily, Daily Illini readers, I have found a loophole to achieving all of your goals for 2016, and the secret lies in regulating what your resolutions entail.

By setting reasonable exercise goals for the New Year, it’s easy to stick to resolutions. That is, if you consider getting physically active for at least 30 minutes a day easy. No, I have not just tricked you, this is a real, scientific thing that I have just finally realized as an old second semester freshman here at University. 

Working out should not just be a few weeks phenomenon that happens in the beginning weeks of January because working out not only affects your body, but something above the neck too: your brain.

We all saw Legally Blonde: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” This is a real thing. The release of these happy chemicals in your body interacts with the receptors in your brain to reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine.

As college students, we make resolutions with the intention of becoming more proactive and happy as our lives progress. Unfortunately though, college students tend to have high levels of stress, which can lead to anxiety or depression. These things can negatively affect a student who is trying to achieve his/her goals for the New Year academically, mentally and socially. Luckily, medical experts have suggested that exercise routines can help with those negative feelings.

Doctors recommend that those suffering from anxiety or depression, or those who are just feeling down, should make time to hit the gym as it is almost as effective as an antidepressant pill. This boost in happiness will shine though to everything you do in your life, making it easier to fulfill all of your resolutions, exercise-related or otherwise. It will make you a happier and more motivated person. SShttp://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression

In addition to general happiness, exercise may also boost one’s confidence. The U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health found that, regardless of weight, size, gender or age, exercise can boost a person’s perception of his or her attractiveness and therefore self-worth. Logically, those with high self-esteem are much more likely to achieve their goals of self-betterment.ss http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2562306/

The National Center for Biotechnology Information did a study that found people who exercised were more productive at work and in school. Even though college is a time where the shortest of naps are often a higher priority than a quick jog and some squats, it has been shown that those who squeeze in time to work out have more energy. This energy is necessary for achieving our most strenuous goals. This may entail your studying and grade goals, or personal growth and social goals.sshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/21785369/

By working out, you can benefit your own mental health, improve your relationships and lead a healthier and happier life overall. This is all achieved by creating the mindset you need to liberate yourself of any sadness you may have, or anxiety you may feel every once in a while.

The gym sucks for the first few days. But if you can surpass the people that set their expectations too high and burn out early, you will not only be more physically fit, but mentally fit as well.

Leah is a freshman in Media.

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