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:
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Reorganizing neurons in the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning
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Thinning gray matter which has been shown to be associated with better math skills
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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!
Other Benefits
College is more than just academics. For many, it is a journey of overall self-development and making connections.
Build Confidence
Physical activity can help us reach personal physique goals, become physically stronger, and make us more mentally resilient.
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.
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.
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Every 30 minutes, get up and do some type of movement, like going to the kitchen for a drink or stretching
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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