Mock exams are just around the corner and you must try and get the most out of the revision process. One thing that can help you do this is exercising. There are many benefits to exercising. Not only does it improve your physical health, but it benefits your mental health too. Taking part in exercise betters mental health by relieving stress, improving focus and concentration, as well as boosting memory.
Stress is something that can slow down brain functioning, which makes it more difficult to focus when revising. Exercise has been found to reduce stress and anxiety. This is because exercise releases hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. These hormones essentially increase mood levels. So even 20 minutes of exercising can completely switch up your mood! Exercise also helps boost energy, so after exercising, you’ll find that you’ll have more of an optimistic energy towards revising.
The endorphins that are released when exercising can also help improve your memory. To put it simply, this is because exercise is a way of clearing your mind, therefore, allowing more space to remember revised facts and figures. So, if you’re struggling to focus and remember, get exercising to clear your mind and then you should feel refreshed and ready to take in information.
As well as helping you have more of a positive, focused approach to revision, it can also help you sleep better. Better sleep will also benefit you when revising as you will have a rested mind and body, meaning you can take in information better!
It’s all well and good knowing the benefits of exercise and how it can help improve your revision, but you also need to be aware of what exercise will help and how much exercise is beneficial.
The World Health Organisation recommends that the younger generation carry out at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. This doesn’t have to be a strenuous activity, it can be anything from walking, to cycling, to going to the gym for a workout. You can increase your physical activity by walking to and from school, playing sports during break times or going to the gym after school.
Exercising outside also has added benefits. For example, being outside has proved to reduce stress levels, something which can be very helpful in the lead up to exams.
To ensure that you are getting the necessary amount of exercise per day, you can plan it into your revision timetable. This way, you know you are ticking a box, and you are doing what you can to get the most out of your revision time.
An active body really does equal an active mind!
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