Exercises For Brain Health: Students often struggle with concentration and remembering what they study. Exercise stimulates the release of neurotrophic factors which help in the formation of new neural connections, improving memory, learning, and overall cognitive function. University of British Columbia has also stated that exercise can help boost memory. Here are some simple exercises students can do every day.
1. Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercises, also called cardio, increase blood flow to the brain and help improve memory. Students can try jogging, brisk walking, cycling, or skipping for 20-30 minutes daily. Even short bursts of activity, like running up stairs or doing jumping jacks, can make a difference in alertness and learning ability.
2. Weight Training
Strength training is not only for building muscles; it also benefits the brain. Simple exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and using light dumbbells improve body strength and mental performance as it initiates the flow of oxygen and essential nutrients to the brain that support the growth and survival of neurons-a cell that carries information between the brain and the other parts of the body. Doing 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions can help students feel more energetic and focused while studying.
3. Simple Daily Exercises
Even small movements help. Stretching in the morning, neck and shoulder rolls, and hand-eye coordination exercises like tossing a ball improve blood circulation and reduce stress. Yoga poses such as "tree pose" or "cat-cow stretch" calm the mind and enhance concentration.
Tips for Best Results
Students should combine these exercises with short study breaks and enough sleep. Drinking water and eating healthy snacks like fruits and nuts also help the brain stay active.
Try at least 30-45 minutes a day on a mix of aerobic, strength, and simple exercises. Doing this regularly can boost memory, reduce stress, and improve overall learning. Small daily efforts can make a big difference in academic performance.
