Exam season is a period where students are under a great amount of stress, spending extended hours at their desks, hunched over, fuelling-up on coffee, energy drinks, and snacks, and neglecting their physical health.
However, studies have shown it fundamental to keep up a physical routine, particularly in times of greater stress and mental demand.
A German professor,Assoc. Prof. Fraser says there’s a reason that successful people, including politicians, keep up a regular fitness routine.
The following are a couple of reasons why engaging in physical activity is fundamental to smashing your exams.
1) Boost your energy levels and increase concentration
Exercises increases blood flow around the body. As your heart rate increases, this increases the body’s metabolic demand. Therefore, simplified, the brain receives more blood flow making it more efficient.
Exercise also induces increased hormone production such as endorphins which is a known mood-booster and are increase the sensation of well-being.
2) Routine
It is important to have a routine and stick to a schedule in exam seasons. Studies have shown that studying in bursts is more efficient than prolonged periods of studying. Therefore, having regular breaks for walks/ jogs/ gym sessions, or any other form of physical activity has actually shown to be related to increased performance in studying efficacy.
3) Socialising
It is not uncommon for students enrolled in team sports to neglect their attendance during busy exam periods. This can negatively impact the mental well-being of the student since a change in environment and socialising with teammates can provide mental stimulation and also support of those in situations alike. Besides this, time off from a sport and a sudden return can lead to a period of de-conditioning which can affect performance but more importantly, can lead to injury. At UM Futsal, we feel like we have created a perfect balance of understanding our athlete’s commitments to exams and student-life, whilst supporting them to continue training to the best of their ability creating a healthy balance.
4) Musculoskeletal problems
Have you ever sat at a desk all day only to realise at the end of it that your neck and shoulders ache? Or you can feel a twinge in your lower back? Sitting down all day shortens your hip flexors, puts strain on your neck, and if you adopt bent-leg positions, it can also cause strain on your knees, ankles, and all other body parts! Therefore, mobilising your body (even with gentle stretches or walking around) is a necessary part of not developing pain and longterm problems. Running, jogging or even walking are perfect methods of adopting better postural habits. Gentle core exercises and stretches of the hip flexors and spinal mobility are also beneficial for promoting this.
Above are just a few tips, tricks, and explanations on staying active during exam seasons. Of course, there are an abundance of further reasons why we should always stay active whether that’s for mental health or to counterbalance all the chocolate we consume in January and also following the Christmas months!
To promote this further, UM Futsal hosted a yoga session on zoom on the 5th February to destress, mobilise, and help student productivity.