Why You Should Find Times to Exercise During Finals Week
- Dec 4, 2016
- 2 min read
Everyone is walking into the flames of the final weeks of the semester. Whether your hell week is now or during finals week, we're all sitting in the library, chugging coffee and day dreaming of our beds. But I'm here to tell you why it's so important to keep your body moving while your brain is working so hard. The brain and the body are so unbelievably connected and it's so important to pay equal attention to both.
Here are some reasons to work out when you're stressed:
It pumps up your endorphins.
Physical activity helps bump up the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Although this function is often referred to as a runner's high, a rousing game of tennis or a nature hike also can contribute to this same feeling.
It's meditation in motion.
After a fast-paced game of racquetball or several laps in the pool, you'll often find that you've forgotten the day's irritations and concentrated only on your body's movements. As you begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that this focus on a single task, and the resulting energy and optimism, can help you remain calm and clear in everything you do.
It improves your mood.
Regular exercise can increase self-confidence, it can relax you, and it can lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise can also improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All of these exercise benefits can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.
Stay up to date with the UREC Group Exercise forecast here: https://www.jmu.edu/recreation/group-exercise/schedule.shtml
So as you stare at your planner or calendar, dreading all the assignments, exams and projects you'll have to tackle, remember to fit in some workout time. Your brain will thank you!
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