The Benefit of Exercise & Movement

The Benefit of Exercise & Movement for College Students

Making time for regular exercise and movement can greatly improve your daily functioning and quality of life.   

Better Moods A daily workout produces the natural mood-boosting compounds known as endorphins. Endorphins energize your spirits and make you feel good.   
 
Better Sleep Exercise makes it easier to fall asleep at night, and more sleep means better moods.  
 
Enhance Learning  Exercise improves learning on three levels: It optimizes your mindset, by improving alertness, attention, and motivation. It prepares and encourages nerve cells to bind to one another, which is the cellular basis for learning new information. Lastly, exercise spurs the development of new nerve cells from stem cells in the hippocampus, which is an area of the brain related to memory and learning.

Stress Management  Exercise is an effective way to break the stress cycle. Releasing endorphins in the brain, physical activity helps to relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better so will your mind. 

Empowerment  Movement can create feelings of being present in your body. It also may motivate you to make choices that are more in line with your personal needs and values. It boosts self-esteem and confidence!  


Exercise and Movement Ideas for College Students 

  • Join an intramural team! Intramurals are social, fun ways to get active and meet new people. 

  • Go for a walk. Studies show that a ten minute walk can transform your physiological state. By moving your body, your physiological state changes. Listen to a podcast, music, a book on tape, or walk with a friend!

  • Schedule your day so that you can walk to class and get that movement and those extra steps in!

  • Go to the Gym. The gym is a good way to get out of your dorm and have time for yourself. 

  • Explore on campus fitness classes through the university. Many campuses offer fitness classes such as yoga and cycling. 

  • Explore studios around your campus and see what you enjoy. Classpass is a great, cost effective way to try out new studios. 

  • Do an online workout. There are many free workouts online to do even in the comfort of your own dorm room. Usually, a quick google does the trick here! For example, here is a twenty minute yoga sculpt class found on youtube. 

  • Keep free weights in your room and do a quick workout that way! Here is a 15 minute arm workout on YouTube.  

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Healthy Habits & Wellness Tips for College Students