It’s finals week! You don’t have time to read this blog and I don’t have time to write this blog, so I’m going to keep it short.
This finals week, I’m sure finding time to be physically active is the last thing on your mind.
BUT, did you know that getting up and moving your body in between study sessions has been linked to improved grades? Yup! If you are looking for an extra boost in your GPA, heading to the gym may help- and here’s how.
Stress Reduction
Finals week can be summed up in one word- STRESSFUL.
Exercise that you genuinely enjoy has been proven to reduce stress. This means that you can focus on the tasks at hand when studying. Also, a clear mind is less likely to make mistakes during tests. We all could use that…couldn’t we?
Confidence
You know the phrase ‘confidence is key’? Being physically active has proven to improve your body image as well as self confidence, even after one workout!
When you exercise, your brain releases dopamine, endorphins, and more hormones that make you happy! Studies have shown that students who are overconfident and have high expectations tend to have higher test scores and better grades.
Brain Function
A meta analysis conducted in 2011 found a strong correlation between cognitive function and physical activity. Exercise increases the activity of your prefrontal cortex. This is the part of your brain that is in charge of planning, reasoning, and working memory!
Exercise can reduce your stress, increase your confidence, and amp up your brain activity.
Try including small bursts of activity throughout study sessions if you don’t have time for the gym. So, the next time you are feeling antsy, jump up, do some jumping jacks, play a game of library tag, or yoga poses. You’ve got this! Good luck and happy studying!
Andrea Belpedio, Health Coach
Andrea is a senior Nutrition major from Phoenix, Arizona. In the future, she hopes to become a dietitian and help individuals with eating disorders. In her free time she enjoys cooking, hiking, and watching Adventure Time.