STAYING FIT DURING EXAM SEASON | AFFINITY HEALTH
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores ways to balance study and exercise.
“The pressure is on as thousands of learners across South Africa have started studying for the end-of-year exams,” said Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“While revision is essential, the National Institutes of Health highlights that exercise also plays an important role in keeping your mind sharp.”
Read on to learn more about the benefits of exercising while studying and easy ways to incorporate exercise into your study routine.
Ways Exercise Can Relieve Exam Stress
Are you feeling sluggish and de-motivated during the exam period? Exercise could be the fix you need. Here’s why:
Exercise Can Alleviate Stress and Anxiety
Studying for exams can be incredibly stressful. When you’re under stress, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that directly impacts the hippocampus (a brain region crucial for memory formation). This explains why some students experiencing exam stress often struggle to recall studied material during tests.
Exercise increases the secretion of happy, feel-good hormones known as serotonin and dopamine into the body. Both these hormones help regulate mood and promote positive feelings.
Exercise Improves Memory
Are you finding it more challenging to work out that algebra equation? Or find the answer to that tricky Afrikaans question? Fitting regular exercise into your routine can literally “jog” your memory.
According to a study by Harvard Health, people who exercise tend to have larger areas of the brain responsible for thinking and memory than those who do not. Exercise also indirectly helps memory by improving sleep, essential for effective cognitive functioning.
Exercise Boosts Your Energy
Feeling slumped? The irony is the more you move, the more energised you will feel. When you exercise, your heart works overtime, pumping more blood to deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to your muscles and tissues. This boost in circulation helps your body work more efficiently, reducing fatigue and making you feel more alert and refreshed.
How To Exercise, Even During Difficult Study Sessions
One of the most challenging issues students encounter during examinations is time management. Between courses, study sessions, and extracurricular activities, it might seem like there’s no time for anything else. However, just like you schedule time for studying or attending lectures, you can also find time for your workouts.
Develop A Routine
A balanced routine of studying and exercise is essential during revision and exam time. Plan your workout sessions around times you know you won’t be studying. Some study better in the morning, while others study better at night. If you organise your workout around your study timetable, you won’t waste the necessary revision time.
Incorporate Short Bursts of Activity
When you’re short on time, even a 5- to 10-minute workout may help you concentrate and stay energised. Jumping jacks, squats, or a brief jog around the block will help you get your blood flowing and clear your thoughts.
Stretch It Out
Sitting for long study sessions can stress your back muscles, neck, and spine. Take a break every hour or so to do some simple stretches.
Get Outdoors
Fresh air can do wonders for your concentration. If you’re feeling stuck or stressed, take your workout outside. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a jog, or even some yoga in the park, nature can help refresh your mind and lift your mood.
Try Mindful Movement
Not all exercise needs to be high-intensity. Mindful exercises like yoga or tai chi combine movement with deep breathing, helping you relax while keeping your body active.
Buddy Up
Exercising with a friend or family member can be a great way to stay motivated and break up the monotony of revision. Plus, it allows you to socialise and have fun, which can reduce exam-related stress.
Mix it up
If you’re tired of the same old workouts, it might be time to mix things up! Try something new, like cycling, swimming, or a fun fitness class. Adding variety keeps things fresh and makes staying motivated and excited about exercising easier. Plus, it’s a great way to challenge your body in different ways!
Listen To Your Body
Staying active is important, but so is paying attention to your body. If you’re feeling worn out or drained, taking a break is perfectly fine. Finding balance is key during exam time, and looking after your body is a big part of that.
Conclusion
Staying active during exam season is key to maintaining physical and mental health. Regular exercise helps reduce stress, improves concentration, and keeps you energised. You can stay sharp and refreshed without sacrificing valuable study time by incorporating small bursts of activity, stretching, getting outdoors, and finding an exercise routine that works for you. For more ways to stay healthy during exams, click here.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health coverage provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.