A study by North Carolina State University found that just one hour of exercise can improve your GPA by 0.06 and increases your chances of graduating by 49%, according to Edcor. Regular physical activity does more than keep you fit and healthy—it also boosts your academic performance.
If you’re an online student, you might miss out on the natural physical activity that comes with walking around a campus. That’s why it’s essential to plan and schedule exercise into your daily routine. The best part? You don’t need an expensive gym membership to lose weight, build strength, and improve flexibility. A simple at-home yoga routine can keep you healthy and fit.
Everyone knows exercise is good for your physical health, but it’s equally beneficial for your mental well-being. Online students should exercise more often because low-intensity physical activities can boost energy levels and counteract fatigue. Long hours of studying without moving around much can leave you feeling tired and drained. Spending one to three hours a week doing yoga, aerobic exercises, dancing, or any activity that gets your whole body moving can reduce the risk of depression and heart disease. Yoga, in particular, can enhance your strength and conditioning while stabilizing your heart rate and improving cardiovascular functions.
As an online student, you’re likely spending most of your time looking at a computer screen. This prolonged screen time isn’t the best way to take a break. Your eyes need rest from the screen, and yoga can help reduce eyestrain from hours of staring at your computer. It also prevents headaches from long study sessions.
Exercise does more than just keep you fit; it also boosts your memory. Studies show that working out increases levels of important brain chemicals like dopamine and epinephrine, which can enhance your problem-solving skills. Activities like jogging, brisk walking, and aerobics improve blood circulation to the brain, promoting cell growth that’s essential for learning. Spending just 20 minutes exercising can help improve your concentration in class.
Taking breaks is crucial for staying motivated and productive. While it might be tempting to relax on the couch, this won’t help your productivity. Exercise is a great way to take a break from studying because it keeps you alert and energized by increasing blood flow. Intensive exercises help release stress-related toxins that affect your brain and nervous system. High stress levels can make your muscles feel tight and sore, leaving you tired. Simple stretches can help relax your muscles and make you feel rejuvenated, leading to increased productivity and motivation.
Incorporating regular exercise into your routine is key to better academic performance. The good news is that you don’t need a costly gym membership. With various DIY workouts and yoga positions, you can stay fit without leaving your home. You just need some basic equipment and the commitment to exercise regularly.