Could something as simple as exercise really improve grades or test scores?!
Exercise can increase the number of brain cells in the hippocampus (a brain structure important in learning and memory). Exercise also helps counter the effects of stress and boosts the brain’s ability to fight off infections.
This information should be of particular interest to students, who need high brain function, are under stress, or are exposed to many different ailments on campus.
Any student wishing to maximize brain cells, and thereby do better in school, should consider establishing a regular pattern of exercise as well. Below is some information that many people take for granted:
- According to the findings published by the Board of Regents of Georgia State University, 60% of adults are not active enough and 25% are not active at all.
- A lack of exercise combined with poor diet is the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States.
- If you haven’t been very active, any increase in your level of activity will be beneficial.
- One activity might just lead to another – walking to running, climbing stairs to aerobics, etc.
- It is hard to get up from the couch and get moving initially, but once you are doing something, it is easier to keep doing it.
- Many people avoid physical activity because they think it will be unpleasant or because they think they don’t have the time, but exercise doesn’t have to be odious and some physical activity can be worked into almost anyone’s normal daily routine.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park as far as possible from where you have to be and walk, find a sport you like and participate in it on a regular basis, play outside with your kids, DO something, anything physical.