A study at North Carolina State University found that just one hour of physical exercise can lead to a 0.06 GPA improvement and a 49% higher chance of graduating, according to Edcor. Besides helping maintain a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic health issues, exercise can also boost your academic performance.
If you’re an online student, you might not get the same physical activity as those on campus. That’s why it’s important to plan and include exercise in your daily routine. The good news is, you don’t need an expensive gym membership to stay fit. You can easily lose unwanted weight, build strength, and improve balance and flexibility right at home with an effective yoga routine.
Everyone knows that exercise is vital for better physical health. Online students, in particular, should make an effort to be more active. Low-intensity physical activities can increase your energy levels and help counteract fatigue. Many distance learners struggle with fatigue from long study hours with little movement. Spending one to three hours on yoga, aerobic exercises, dance, or other activities can also lower the risk of depression and heart disease. Yoga, for instance, not only enhances conditioning and strength but also helps stabilize heart rate and improve cardiovascular functions.
When studying online, students often spend most of their time in front of a laptop or desktop. You likely spend more time studying slides than traditional students. Your free time might also be spent watching movies or chatting on your phone, neither of which give your eyes the break they need. Taking a few minutes for yoga can help reduce eyestrain from staring at screens for too long. Exercise can even prevent headaches that come from extensive studying.
Exercise isn’t just about physical health; it also benefits your brain. It can boost memory and enhance problem-solving skills by increasing levels of dopamine, epinephrine, and brain proteins. Intensive exercises like jogging, brisk walking, and aerobics improve blood circulation, which is crucial for brain cell growth and learning. You only need about 20 minutes of exercise to see an improvement in concentration.
Study breaks are essential for staying motivated and productive. While lounging on the couch might seem appealing, it won’t boost your productivity. Exercise is a great way to stay alert and energized because it increases blood flow and releases stress-related toxins from your body. High stress levels can cause muscle tension, making you feel tired and sore. Simple stretching exercises can help relax your muscles, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle more academic work.
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is key to better academic performance. Luckily, you don’t need to join an expensive gym. With various DIY workouts and yoga positions, you can stay fit without leaving home. All you need is the right equipment and a commitment to make time for exercise.
