Deadlines and results are your primary focus, so taking time out seems like an alien concept in the thick of your studies, but there are strong links to exercise helping, and in this article, we will look at why it is a good idea to make time to workout or exercise. A new activity, while at first, it may seem counterproductive, actually enhances your study. You just need to see and understand the evidence and trust the process. Everyone learns differently; however, the methodology makes perfect sense when you unpick science and primary biology. If you are interested in travelling during your studies, consider our 7 Tips for a Travelling Student, we covered this too.
Firstly, why are you considering a study break?
Ask yourself why you are considering a study break. Has someone recommended it? Or is it because you are tired, perhaps feeling worn out? Maybe you’re not sleeping. The mountain of study can feel too much, so why not take back some control and use exercise, find out why it’s such a good idea.
How can exercise breaks help your studying?
Below we’ve provided seven examples of why exercise is an excellent in-fill for a study break, with conclusions. Consider each benefit; this may be the tool you need to add exercise to your study breaks.
One – A break is as good as a rest
That’s the saying, and the truth is that there is evidence to support switching your focus and taking a break is as good as sleeping. It allows your mind to switch off from the task and reset, ready to absorb more information later on. Exercise distracts you from studying and allows you to break from the rigours of your workload. A great activity is running, which is a popular study break exercise because most student locations have access to fields and paved routes ideal for runners; it does not require too much equipment, and it gets you out of the house and away from the books.
Two – Stress Relief
Exercise releases stress; it exerts physical stress through your muscles; by stretching them, the act of exercise also releases mental stress. The result is an uplift in mental well-being. Exercise is recommended for those under stress to alleviate the mental and physical tension associated with being under pressure. Boxing is one of the best full-body exercises for stress relief; the action of punching a punchbag is a big stress reliever. The additional benefit is the calorie burn it provides and functional strength. If you are looking for a great place to start, then Mirafit sells Boxing Equipment and other core exercise equipment. Set up in a small room or area; you can get wall-mounted and free-standing punch bags.
Three – Mood Change
Endorphine Hormones are released through exercise into the bloodstream. The result is a sense of elation, improving your mood, making you more ready to learn and open to the challenges of study. Stress and anxiety are common when you face potentially life-changing tests in your life, so using exercise as a pick-me-up is a great idea to remove learning barriers.
Four – Energy improvement
Exercise improves muscle size, tone and efficiency, and it helps with the metabolisation of food, which improves energy levels as your body is running more efficiently. This is linked to higher energy, meaning you will be more ready to learn. Higher energy, more enthusiasm and a propensity to embrace your studies will make the experience more enjoyable.
Five – Don’t forget memory!
Let’s not forget about memory… With exercise comes increased blood flow. With this, essential hormones and proteins proved to increase the brain’s capacity to retain information are produced. Exercise improves memory, so if you are studying, why wouldn’t you want to improve your brain’s capacity for storing information while working on your qualifications? It will keep both your body and your mind fit.
Six – Physical Gains
The physical gains you will get from using exercise as a study break will be noticeable. You will both look and feel healthier. The gains are great when you are socialising again. The proper exercise will also help with posture and back issues from sitting for long periods during your studies. Typical issues include neck, should and back pain from sitting and being in a fixed position for long periods.
Seven – Better Sleep
Often when you study and worry about work, sleep can be affected. With exercise, sleep often becomes more meaningful and deeper faster, providing better quality sleep. Better sleep brings improved memory and focus, higher absorption of complex problems and more acute focus.
What we know
Breaks help. Exercise helps. Both are supported by evidence. If you are in the midst of studying and researching, if you need to take study breaks, then also consider exercise. Zone out for a bit, but benefit your learning as a result. Increase your brain capacity and sleep pattern and get physical gains which will provide you with additional confidence when you finish your studies and go on that well-deserved holiday or unpause your social life and get back to dating looking healthy and trim.
Exercise is also great for giving you a sense of control when your studies might feel like it’s all a little out of control. We hope this article has helped shape your view and consideration around using exercise as a study break and why it’s such a good idea. The next steps you take may contribute to the success of your future and be the result of giving yourself an optimised learning pattern or just that little extra to get you over the finish line. Either way, it is unlikely to harm your learning, so be your own judge, or speak with others. Consult a lecturer if you wish. Remember you can also apply business principles to your study. This can help you to succeed with goal setting and planning.
There are many students out there who are looking for ideas to help them study better and retain more. This can also be true if you have a short attention span, dyslexia, ADHD or other learning challenges; this type of approach can assist you. Whatever you decide about managing your study time, remember it won’t be long before you are out the other side and enjoying your hard-earned qualification. Good luck, and well done.