A college schedule is always busy, and mine is no exception. I am taking a full course load this semester, and I also work about 15-20 hours a week in addition to my classes. So it can be pretty hard to fit everything that I'd like to into my schedule. One of those things is exercise. When I'm not in class or at work I always have schoolwork to do. And if I'm not working on that schoolwork I'd kind of rather hang out and relax rather than go exercise. Yet, I know that exercise is a great way to get rid of some stress, and can often actually give me energy when I feel like I don't have any. Earlier this semester I was playing intramural soccer and that gave me a way to get in some exercise. But lately it's been harder to stay active since exercise is not scheduled into my routine the way intramural soccer was. I have found one way, however, to stay active -- racquetball.
I just played a game of racquetball this evening, and I was reminded just how much I enjoy the sport. It is much different than soccer. Instead of being a team sport, it is an individual sport. When I play racquetball I realize that I am playing against another person, but even more I feel like I'm playing against myself. If I lose in racquetball it may be because my opponent is just that much better than me...but more often than not it is because I am playing poorly, not concentrating, and letting my emotions get the best of me. When concentrating in racquetball it is almost like you are meditating. You have to stay focused and not get distracted, but if you start thinking too much you will psych yourself out. I've had this happen plenty of times and my performance has suffered because I was over thinking the game.
One thing is for sure though, when I play racquetball, the only thing I am thinking about is racquetball. I step onto the court and leave my worries of school, work, and my social life at the door. When playing, it's just me and my opponent for an hour. My favorite part about playing racquetball is the quick pace. If you're not ready for it, the pace of the game can really take you by surprise. Just a little bit ago you may have been sitting in class trying to stay awake. But when on the racquetball court you have to be ready to sprint through long rallies, find a way to hit a ball that is in the back corner, and dive for shots that are just out of reach, all while making sure you don't run into the other player or hit him with the ball.
Racquetball may seem like the antithesis of relaxation, but for me it's one of the best ways to relax. I leave a game of racquetball feeling a little tired for sure, but reinvigorated and ready to get going with the rest of my day. This semester my housemate, Jake, and I have been making a point to wake up early and play racquetball on Friday mornings. It takes some effort to get up (usually one of us has to wake the other up), but when we do it's a great way to start Friday, and the weekend, off right. I plan to continue this weekly tradition, and keep playing using racquetball as a way to relieve stress, all semester and for the rest of the school year.
(Action #7 Develop ways to "Recharge your battery")
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