Benefits of Exercise during periods of academic pressure
As students prepare for their academic exams, they often prioritise studying over everything else, including their health. However, exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle that should not be overlooked, particularly during exam periods. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of exercise during an academic exam period.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety:
Exam periods are undoubtedly stressful, and stress can have a significant impact on our health and performance. Exercise is a natural stress-reliever that triggers the release of endorphins in the brain. These endorphins are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals that help reduce stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling more relaxed and refreshed. Regular exercise can also improve your mood and help you deal with stress more effectively.
2. Increases Brain Function:
Exercise has been proven to improve cognitive function and enhance memory retention. Regular exercise can stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for the growth and maintenance of brain cells. Studies have shown that students who exercise regularly perform better on cognitive tests, have better memory retention, and are more alert during exams.
3. Boosts Energy Levels:
Sitting for long hours studying can be mentally and physically exhausting, leaving you feeling drained and tired. Exercise can help combat this fatigue by increasing your energy levels. When you exercise, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can help increase your energy levels, leaving you feeling more alert and focused.
4. Improves Sleep Quality:
Getting enough sleep is essential for our health and well-being, particularly during exam periods when students are often tempted to pull all-nighters to cram for exams. However, lack of sleep can negatively impact our cognitive function and memory retention. Exercise can improve the quality of our sleep by regulating our circadian rhythm and increasing the amount of time we spend in deep sleep. A good night’s sleep can help improve your memory recall and cognitive performance, making you better prepared for exams.
5. Helps Maintain a Healthy Body Weight:
Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for our overall health, and regular exercise can help us achieve this goal. During exam periods, it’s easy to fall into the trap of stress-eating or neglecting our diet altogether. However, incorporating exercise into your routine can help burn calories, reduce the risk of weight gain, and promote healthy eating habits.
6. Enhances Focus and Concentration:
Exercise has been shown to enhance focus and concentration, making it easier to study for extended periods. Exercise can increase the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain, which is essential for cognitive function. This improved blood flow can help improve concentration, allowing you to study more efficiently and effectively.
In conclusion, exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle that should not be overlooked, particularly during exam periods. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, increase brain function, boost energy levels, improve sleep quality, maintain a healthy body weight, and enhance focus and concentration. Incorporating exercise into your exam preparation routine can help you perform better on exams and improve your overall health and well-being.
By Grant van Velden
