but at least they don't make you sleep and shower with forty other people....

The Japanese have a particularly good word to use when you are struggling with something (running a race, studying for a test, anything that requires effort on your part): Ganbaru. Loosely translated, it means FIGHT.

Ganbatte! I say to you now.

And in reply you say, Ganbarimasu. (I will fight).

There's nothing that quite parallels it in English in the same spirit.

And I can clear my mind too. Did a whole bunch of times last night.