OLD WAY
Focus on how exercise helps you physically.

NEW THINK
Let your workouts help you mentally too.

We wholeheartedly recommend working up a sweat, but so much of what we do at the gym is focused on outside factors, whether it's the treadmill readout, the person beside you, or your reflection in the mirror. The next time you're putting in your time on the elliptical, try turning your attention—and intention— inward. " 'Working out' sounds hard, but 'working in' is energizing and therapeutic," says David Yukelson, Ph.D., director of sport psychology services at the Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes at Penn State University. Think about how your body feels—can you calm your breathing or lose that side stitch?—then once you find your groove, brainstorm ideas or meditate on personal issues.