Staying active can help students improve academic outcome

Even just a walk during the day can improve focus and performance in class

Stepping+away+from+your+computer+for+a+few+minutes+or+getting+a+workout+in+before+class+can+be+beneficial+to+your+academic+performance.+Even+studying+or+reading+while+working+out+or+doing+yoga+can+help+promote+concentration.+%28Photo+illustration+by+Kaitlyn+Riley%29

Stepping away from your computer for a few minutes or getting a workout in before class can be beneficial to your academic performance. Even studying or reading while working out or doing yoga can help promote concentration. (Photo illustration by Kaitlyn Riley)

Getting up and being active, whether that’s going for a walk or riding a bike, can help improve your grades.

From personal experience whenever I work out, I always have more motivation and I am able to stay focused to get my homework done. 

When I decide to not work out I am further feeding into myself being lazy. This also leads me to procrastinate because of a lack of motivation.

If you prioritize moving your body every day, in the long run, you will see benefits to your physical, mental health and academic performance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity can lead to better grades, attendance, performance, memory and behavior.

This makes me question whether physical education classes, which are a part of school from elementary to high school, weren’t just to give students a break from learning. Perhaps they were also used as a way to exercise our brain and get them ready to perform to the best of their ability in the classroom.

Not only does exercise help clear your mind but it sets you up to improve in other areas of your life. 

Concentration is a big key when trying to get things done and once you exercise your ability to concentrate will improve.

Next time you find it hard to complete your homework, step away from it and take a quick walk or do a brief 15-minute exercise.

Exercising can also help your sleep which in turn will help you improve in the classroom. 

When I exercise regularly I find myself able to develop a better sleep routine which helps me get a good night of sleep and leads to better concentration and not feeling tired while learning.