Unfortunately, many students nowadays discard exercise as a waste of time. Why go for a jog if you can do some extra studying for that formidable test on Tuesday? However, doing some sport could potentially be more helpful than solving another set of Math problems.

It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes in order to be a better student you need to stop studying for a while. Doing exercise has proven to be a magical tool for bolstering your brain capacities both in theory and practice.

The Science Behind the Idea

Humans have been conditioned to do exercise for many years of evolution. Active movement and brain development are still closely linked, even though nowadays people do not have to run away from wild animals anymore.

People are adaptable creatures, but this lack of physical activity is actually quite a recent phenomenon for their bodies to readjust properly. Therefore, exercise still plays a vital role in their holistic development.

The Main Perks of the Exercise

First of all, exercise is linked to the general feeling of happiness. The fact of the matter is that when doing sport, human brain releases a neurotransmitter called serotonin which regulates mood and kills depression. Moreover, exercise makes people feel more confident and less stressed about life in general. So, if you want to be a happier person, you might try going for the occasional jog.

Secondly, exercise helps to focus and retain information more effectively. It triggers another neurotransmitter called norepinephrine which is responsible for attention as well as the protein BDNF that serves to expand the memory capacity and foster long-term learning. In addition, it can boost the creation of new neurons which can then be used to solidify the existing networks. Without regular physical activity, it is not possible for your brain to develop, and those potential neurons can die out without being stimulated.

Thirdly, exercise precludes dementia and many mental illnesses typical of old people. It is just as crucial for your brain as studying, because it trains and develops it. So, if you want to have a clear mind and a strong body for as long as possible, do not shun sports and stop being lazy.

How to Do It?

You do not need to be a fitness guru to derive benefits from physical activities. There are no strict guidelines in regards to the time and effort you need to spend on exercising. It is very individual, so you should listen to what your brain tells you rather than trying to force yourself into a stringent framework.

For some 15 minutes a day is just enough, for others it is nothing but a good warm-up. You need to take into account your physical shape, time constraints and the intensity of exercise to form a reasonable judgment. Do not listen to what others are trying to impose on you. Do what feels best.

Conclusion

It is very unfortunate that so many students still fail to realize that in order to be the best in their field, they have to strain their bodies on a regular basis. It is not just a dumb activity for jocks. It is a long-term investment in your overall well-being, happiness and productivity.