Aside from the plain-to-see health benefits that stem from physical activity, a few stand out facts illustrate just how beneficial exercise during college can be for more than just your academic performance.
Reduce Stress
When you put your body under stress in exercise, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are neurochemicals that interact with receptors in your brain to reduce the perception of pain. They are known to trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to morphine. In addition, exercise is known to stimulate brain cell growth, and bolster your memory.
Wake Up Easily
In a similar vein, exercise is taxing on your body in a way that promotes better sleep and focus in downtime. Not only does it help you get to sleep, it will help you stay asleep once you drift off. Reduced anxiety and tenacity in your early morning are known to accompany regular workouts.
Raise Your GPA
Multiple studies have been conducted on this subject, indicating that grades are shown to be higher in students that choose to be active and regularly attend a gym during the school year. Not only did their marks go up, but retention rates are known to be higher in students with this type of routine. It follows, then, that it is easier to retain information when exercise is a part of your everyday tasks.
Additionally, cardiovascular exercise improves a person’s circulation. The better blood circulation you have, the more oxygen can reach your brain, increasing your capacity to perform mental activities. In a similar way to how your muscles function, increased exercise can serve to slow or reverse physical decay, promoting the development of new neurons.
Now is the Time
The reason many people scoff at New Year’s resolutions is that they generally lack dedication or resolve necessary to see true results. In order to find success in healthy activity, you need to have discipline. The benefits exercise provides to your brain are only lasting with a strong routine.
These side effects of exercise are undoubtedly beneficial for both physical and mental health. If you haven’t begun a workout regimen or found a way to get more active, consider how your daily life might change by reaping the benefits of regular exercise.
