How can Personal Physical Fitness and or Activity: Effects on

your Academic Performance

Physical activity is crucial for learning as well as for healthy growth and

development. A person's level of physical exercise directly affects their behavior and brain

development. According to a researcher, the amount of oxygen getting to the brain can be

boosted by exercise (Charles Basch from Columbia University, n.d.). The researcher stated

that physical activity increases the number of neurotransmitters in the brain, which improves

my capacity to focus, concentrate, learn, memorize, and deal with stress (Charles Basch from

Columbia University, n.d.). It was also stated that physical activity increases the quantity of

brain-derived neurotrophic, which ensures the survival of neurons in brain areas important for

learning, memory, and cognitive thinking (Charles Basch from Columbia University, n.d.).

Physical activity affects cognitive abilities like concentration and attention, as well as

classroom attitudes and behaviors, which are all crucial elements of enhanced academic

success, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For

individuals of all ages and from all areas of life, exercise is essential. It enhances both

physical and mental health and may significantly increase my lifespan. These benefits

provide me with plenty of motivation to start exercising more. As a university student,

exercise also offers various educational advantages that are important to keep in mind. these

benefits or advantages are outlined below:

 Enhanced My Concentration – It is wise to take a break from my studying and

go for a jog or a stroll when I find it difficult to concentrate on an assignment

or exam. With a clean mind and improved focus, I would be able to go back to

my studies. This fact has long been recognized by students with ADHD, who

frequently use distance sports and other strenuous physical activities to combat

both inattention and hyperactivity. There are many experiences with exercise
 and concentration, but actual data also supports the value of leading an active

lifestyle. Sometimes just ten minutes of physical activity is enough to prepare

the parts of the brain involved in executive function.

 Improvement in My Memory and Recall – While maintaining focus during

study sessions may be essential, it is of little use if I quickly forget what I have

learned. Ineffective studying is caused by poor memorization, which

ultimately weakens my drive to continue in the face of difficulty. Fortunately,

increasing physical exercise can help with both short-term focus and long-term

memory. According to a University of British Columbia study, people who

exercise regularly have a much larger hippocampus. The hippocampus is a

complicated brain structure located deep within the temporal lobe. It has a

significant function in learning and memory. Aerobic exercise has a special

ability to enhance recall.

 The Influence of My Emotions – Being successful in all my courses and

academics may be attainable despite having a negative outlook, but obstacles

in the classroom seem far less overwhelming when I am happy. Unfortunately,

there are many challenges that I must deal with in my life, which can make it a

challenge to be positive. When having anxiety, it can be easy to use inefficient

coping strategies like procrastination or stress eating but a  better choice might

be to exercise. Even a brief session of exercise can result in a fast-acting

adrenalin rush. Positive feelings could then result from this. Research suggests

that substituting strenuous activity for just fifteen minutes of daily sitting can

significantly lower the risk of developing depression (Choi, 2019). This is

encouraging because depression and other mental health conditions lower the

rate of university graduation.

 It's critical to understand how my academic performance is affected by physical

activity's effects on brain development and physical health. My academic performance can

benefit from exercise both now and in the future. Physical activity or exercise not only helps

my brain get ready to learn but also makes it simpler to retain information. Physical activity

or exercise can also help decrease negative emotions, stress, and depression. These

straightforward recommendations can be utilized to incorporate exercise into my daily life;

while academic achievement is crucial, being in shape and getting good grades are common

goals. I should make sure to include fitness in my semester-long goals. I can schedule a set

time for gym visits or even set time aside for exercise or workouts at home. Combine

exercise with learning. There might be audio versions of some of my course materials,

including textbooks. I can utilize my smartphone to download this audio content and listen

while using the treadmill, taking a walk, or jogging.

 References

Charles Basch from Columbia University. (n.d.). Exercise and the Brain: How Exercise Can

Improve Academic Performance for Your Child – Pediatric Therapies. Pediatric

Therapies. http://pediatrictherapies.com/exercise-brain-exercise-can-improve-

academic-performance-child/

Choi, K. W., PhD. (2019, April 1). Assessment of Bidirectional Relationships Between

Physical Activity and Depression Among Adults: A 2-Sample.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2720689

Lam, K. (2021, October 20). How physical activity affects school performance.

LiteracyPlanet. https://www.literacyplanet.com/blog/how-physical-activity-affects-

school-performance/

The Link Between Physical Activity and Academic Performance. (2020, May 28). Post

University. https://post.edu/blog/the-link-between-physical-activity-and-academic-

performance/