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Physical Activity

Learn Better

Exercise has been shown to be beneficial to our brains due to increased blood flow (Blomstrand & Engvall, 2020). These benefits include:

  • Reorganizing neurons in the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning

  • Thinning gray matter which has been shown to be associated with better math skills

  • Increasing white matter which helps overall learning ability

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There is evidence that even one session of exercise enhances memory function. These studies show that memory is significantly better when exercise is included before and during a study session (Loprinzi et al., 2021). 

 

Pro Tip: Next time you study for an exam, try exercising for just 10 minutes before learning the information. Then, while on the treadmill, for example, watch or listen to a lecture!

Image by Aaron Burden

Other Benefits

College is more than just academics. For many, it is a journey of overall self-development and making connections.

Motivational Lecture

Build Confidence

Physical activity can help us reach personal physique goals, become physically stronger, and make us more mentally resilient. 

Balancing Rocks

Relieve Stress

Exercise imitates stress. After a session, our brains become flooded with feel-good chemicals and other protective mechanisms, which helps us deal with stress better in the long run.

Image by Patty Brito

Maintain Health

A healthy body is a happier body. Daily exercise prevents or reverses chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver and gallbladder disease, and many cancers. 

How to get started

1. Why is physical activity important to you?

If you are unmotivated to begin an exercise routine, writing down reasons why it is important can help you get started. As stated above, getting better grades, building confidence, relieving stress, and maintaining health are all great reasons!

2. Find an activity you enjoy doing

Feeling like you are forcing yourself to exercise will only set you up for failure. Dancing, hiking, rock climbing, walking your dog, or taking group classes are great ways to have fun while being physically active. 

3. Avoid being sedentary as much as possible

If you find yourself being sedentary all day, try setting a timer during study sessions, for example. 

  • Every 30 minutes, get up and do some type of movement, like going to the kitchen for a drink or stretching

  • Reading while standing is also a great way to avoid being sedentary

References

Blomstrand, P., & Engvall, J. (2020). Effects of a single exercise workout on memory and learning functions in young            adults—a systematic review. Translational Sports Medicine, 4(1), 115–127. https://doi.org/10.1002/tsm2.190

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, May 14). Physical activity prevents chronic disease. Centers for Disease         Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from                                                                                                             https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/physical-activity.htm

Loprinzi, Day, S., Hendry, R., Hoffman, S., Love, A., Marable, S., McKee, E., Stec, S., Watson, H., & Gilliland, B. (2021).          The effects of acute exercise on short-and long-term memory: Considerations for the timing of exercise and                 phases of memory. Europe's Journal of Psychology, 17(1), 85–103. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.2955

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, August 3). Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved                        December 8, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-                and- stress/art-20044469#:~:

Rmhp. (2018, May 25). Boost your self-esteem with exercise: RMHP blog. Rocky Mountain. Retrieved December 8,                2022, from https://www.rmhp.org/blog/2018/may/boost-your-self-esteem-with-exercise

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