Scientific evidence suggests that exercise is vital to improving one’s mental health. While physical exertion holds other benefits such as improved strength and overall fitness, it also increases energy levels, creates better sleep schedules, improves memory and cognition, and reduces stress and depression.
With the stress that accompanies schoolwork, many students turn to physical exercise as an outlet for stress. This can allow them to gain a sense of mental clarity which prompts an increasingly focused mindset and motivation to complete an assignment. Junior and student-athlete Katie Teague expressed, “I find that when I exercise, I am more productive throughout the day, especially with my schoolwork.” Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, which amplifies concentration. Also, exercise causes the brain to release the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin which not only counteract neurological disorders but also boost mood and contribute to improving memory, sleep, and learning.
Additionally, the aspect of routine in relation to exercise can enhance a positive mind set in everyday life. A constant schedule instills discipline and increases productivity and efficiency in completing tasks. Especially for students who have deadlines every week, exercise allows them to maintain balance in their lives while they continue to remain focused and achieve academic success. Sophomore Graeme Baker explained, “When I’m stressed out and have a lot of schoolwork, I find that going for a quick jog or even getting up and walking around a little bit can be the perfect break to relax and then be able to get back into the grind of schoolwork and studying.”
Many students find it difficult to remain stationary to study for hours, especially with all the technological distractions of the 21st century. However, taking exercise breaks can enhance studying through expanding memory and mental capacity, allowing for more effective and efficient studying. This can allow a student to allocate more time to sleep, a crucial component to health which is commonly forgone by students, yet it builds upon the benefits of exercise by facilitating a healthy mental state.
Overall, whether students choose to participate in a competitive sport, a physical art form, or an exercise more focused on mindfulness such as yoga, they all reap the immense benefits of exercise in everyday life which will aid them in their mental and physical health, current academic endeavors, and future health.
