Ellie CoverdaleWe all know that exercise leads to better health. However, it can be difficult to stick to an exercise routine, especially for college students who have so much else going on. It’s much more common to see students studying while mindlessly eating and not moving from in front of their laptop. While going to the gym and exercising is great for college students, yoga is a great option because it can be done from the comfort of your home or dorm room. Here are the top 7 physical and mental benefits of doing yoga while studying.
Boosting Brain Development
Exercise increases the protein production of FNDC5, releasing it into the bloodstream. This protein helps existing brain cells continue to reproduce, leading to a healthier and stronger brain. Because yoga is a form of meditation, it keeps the nervous system healthy as well. Doing yoga during study breaks means you’ll be improving your brain function and reducing stress and anxiety.
Better Memory
During exercise, the protein works well in the part of the brain that takes care of memory retention. For students, if you haven’t noticed already, doing regular exercises helps you remember things. The intensity of the workout also makes a big difference, because more intense exercises means more epinephrine, dopamine, and BDNF in the brain, making it easier to learn and memorize new words and concepts. Knowing that might make a study break more worth it.
Enhanced Concentration
Performing exercise before studying, even just 20 minutes before, or during a break is known to improve concentration. Doing an activity like yoga promotes circulation of the blood from your body to your brain, promoting cell growth related to learning and cognition. When doing yoga as a study break, focus on yoga positions that are all about discipline and concentration.
Improved Mood
Even if it seems like you’re drowning in your course load, it’s important to keep a positive mood so you can stay focused. This is easier said than done, though, because studying can induce stress and negative moods. If that’s the case with you, exercise like yoga can improve your outlook. It eases your tension and lowers your stress so you can better handle your mental strains. Yoga has also been found to reduce depression.
Lower Stress Levels
Yoga has a positive effect on the brain and on the nervous system. This stabilizes the blood pressure and keeps your heart rate level even when you’re going through a moment of pressure during exams. Tight muscles caused by stress can also be relieved and soothed by doing yoga and other stretching exercises, leaving you feeling more refreshed and invigorated.
The best thing to do is take short breaks during study to do a few yoga poses. Not only will you feel better physically and mentally, but you’ll also get improved academic results. Therefore, the time when you’re the most stressed, during your finals, is the best time to be doing yoga exercises.
Increased Productivity
Exercise helps improve productivity levels by getting you prepared for your work. Yoga also helps increase motivation by releasing toxins that cause stress. Exercise gives you some necessary time for yourself so you can stay motivated and be more productive when working on your school tasks. Yoga is the best option because it doesn’t require a lot of space or equipment. It’s not so much a routine that will keep your shape but keeps you motivate and productive instead, which is just what you need in school.
Better Quality of Sleep
Poor sleep quality is associated with obesity, hypertension, and low academic performance, as well as depression. By adding yoga into your study routine, you can get better sleep quality by sleeping longer and being more rested during the day. Studies have actually found that yoga helps people sleep better than with sleep medications. Yoga also helps reduce eye strain and minimize headaches. It increases melatonin, which is the hormone that manages alertness and sleep.
It’s important to perform well as a student. Don’t spend your life in front of your laptop, without moving, and eating a poor diet. Add some yoga to your studying routine and see your mental health, physical health, and your grades improve!