Nov 7, 2024
Did you know that staying active does more than keep you fit? Exercise is a powerful tool for boosting your mental health and academic performance. Research suggests that even a brisk twenty-minute daily walk is enough to boost your memory and thinking skills. If you're a Langara student balancing assignments, projects, and exams, finding time for exercise can help you stay on top of your game—both mentally and physically.
Exercise: A brain booster
We all know exercise is good for the body, but did you know it has a major impact on your brain, too? According to research published in Scientific American, exercise is as much a cognitive activity as it is a phyiscal one. What does that mean for you as a student? When you move your body, you're not just burning calories—you're helping your brain function better.
How exercise can help you study smarter
Research shows that aerobic exercises—like jogging, swimming, or even brisk walking—are particularly good for the brain. Here's why:
- Better memory: Exercise increases the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which helps your brain grow new neurons and strengthen existing ones. This is especially useful for students trying to remember all the material they've been studying.
- Increased focus: Physical activity boosts your ability to concentrate. That's great news when you're cramming for exams or need to stay focused during long study sessions.
- Stress relief: Got exam jitters? Exercise helps reduce stress by lowering levels of cortisol, the hormone that causes feelings of stress and anxiety. It also increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for memory and emotional regulation, helping you manage stress more effectively.
Boost your mental health with regular exercise
Being a student can be tough on your mental health. With deadlines, exams, and the general pressures of colelge life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where exercise comes in. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by boosting the brain chemicals that help you feel calm and happy—like serotonin and dopamine.
Even better, exercise doesn't have to be intense to make a different. Just 30 minutes of moderate activity a few times a week can significantly improve your mood and overall well-being. So, whether it's a yoga class, a run around the neighbourhood, or even a brisk walk between classes, finding ways to move your body can help you feel more balanced and in control.
Simple ways to fit exercise into your Langara life
We know that students are busy, but there are plenty of easy ways to stay active on campus and in your daily life:
- Take advantage of the Open Gym: It's a great way to get moving and blow off steam between classes. It's also a way to meet other students and make new connections.
- Walk or bike to class: Langara supports cycling as an alternative mode of transportation, and we offer a range of amenities for all students and employees to make cycling to and from Langara easy and accessible. Amenities include parking and storage, bike repair, and shower facilities.
- YMCA Student Wellness Membership: Langara College students receive a special membership at the Langara Family YMCA, conveniently located beside our main campus. There is a gymnasium and a full-sized fitness room, as well as numerous drop-in and group activities available.
- Become a Falcon: You can be part of a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for sports. Beyond the game, you'll forge bonds with teammates that remain long after your time at the College.
The bottom line: Move your body=Boost your brain
Exercise isn't just about staying fit—it's about keeping your brain sharp and your mental health in check. Whether you're a first-year student or getting ready to graduate, finding time to move can help you manage stress, stay focused, and feel more confident in your abilities.
So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, take a break and go for a walk, hit the gym, or do some yoga. You brain—and your body—will thank you.
Langara's Counselling Department regularly organizes events and workshops aimed at sharing fundmental skills and valuable tips carefully tailored to improve your productivity, results, and well-being during your time at Langara and for your future workplace experiences. For more information: Student Success Workshops