Sport
Exams and exercise Holly Jones

Streatham Campus

Exercise and Exams: Advice from Holly

During exam period, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself spending a large part of the day sat down revising. Of course it is important to revise for exams, but looking after yourself by eating well, sleeping well and being active.  

When stressed, your ability to focus and process information decreases, however with exercise your mental and physical states can be improved. Exercise releases endorphins which are known as ‘feel good’ hormones, this results in improved mood and motivation. Any type of physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, this fires up neurones and promotes cell growth which helps improve concentration. These responses to physical activity and exercise can reduce stress, help you focus when revising and improve memory. 

Finding the time and motivation can be hard, but here are a few tips to make it to be active during exam periods: 

  1. Take regular breaks for movement such as a walk or taking part in a class. This will allow you to clear your head and feel more refreshed when revising.  

  1. Build a routine around when you work best, and allow yourself time to fit in some activity either as a break or in the morning before revising to improve your concentration.  

  1. Walk to your exams, this can help to relax you and focus your thoughts. 

  1. Be active with friends, this is also an opportunity to socialise which improves overall wellbeing.  

 

When I was a student, this is what an example revision schedule day was for me: 

8AM – wake up and go to the gym 

9AM – breakfast 

9:30AM – 12:30PM – revision with 5-10min breaks every 30min to stretch. 

12:30 – 1:30PM Lunch and a short walk 

1:30-5:30PM - revision with 5-10min breaks every 30min to stretch. 

5:30PM – athletics club/walk to shop 

7:00PM – Dinner & Socialise 

 

Good luck for your exams!  

Date: 6 May 2022