Doing aerobic activity gets blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your brain, which helps your brain function better. [2] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source

These studies found that vigorous exercise while studying may hurt recall because your brain is focused on the workout instead of the information. To try this, take your textbook or notes to the gym. Use the stationary bike while you study for at least half an hour, making sure to keep the intensity light and gentle. You can also use an elliptical, treadmill, or stairclimber. [4] X Research source

Go for a walk or even lift weights after you study to help your brain stay active so your studying can pay off.

You can also do this if you are studying in your dorm or a coffee shop. Taking a break helps refresh yourself and gets blood flowing to the brain, which can help you think and remember better.

Do some chair squats at your desk. Stand up from your chair, then squat down without sitting down. Hover just above the chair for about 10 seconds. Repeat this 20 times. Try wall sitting. Lean against the wall and slowly lower yourself into a squat position, using the wall to support your back. Hold for as long as you can, or do 20 sets while holding for 10 seconds each. You may also wish to lift one leg as you hold the squat for an extra challenge. Use resistance bands while you sit there and study. Put one in each hand and pull on them for an upper body workout. You can also try holding hand weights and doing bicep curls while studying.

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or a combination of these. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Adolescents should get at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity each day. [11] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Moderate physical activity includes brisk walking at three miles per hour or faster or bicycling slower than 10 miles per hour. You can also play doubles tennis, go ballroom dancing, or do general gardening. Vigorous intensity workouts include race walking, jogging, or running or cycling faster than 10 miles per hour. You can also swim laps, play singles tennis, do aerobic dancing, jump rope, or hike with a heavy backpack or uphill. [13] X Research source Many gym classes provide excellent opportunities for vigorous and moderate exercise. Any aerobic activity should be performed for at least 10 minutes at a time to gain brain-boosting benefits. You should also spread it out throughout the week to keep your brain focused and sharp.

Sit down and list all your commitments, activities, and study hours. Don’t forget to list sleep times, meal times, and time for other things, like showering. Look for places you can incorporate exercise. Don’t forget to count daily exercise. If you walk 10 or more minutes to class or work, this counts as aerobic physical activity. If you can start walking to class, make that one of your changes. Choose something that you believe you will enjoy and that can easily be placed into your schedule. If you have trouble finding time to workout, consider going out for a 30 minute jog or dancing around your room for half an hour. Breaking up exercises into smaller increments, such as three 10-minute fast-paced walks, can offer brain-boosting benefits if you struggle fitting exercise into your day. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

If you have class three times a week and study on those days, try to go for at least a 30 minute walk or jog before you go back to your room to study. If you go to school every day for eight hours, spend half an hour to an hour after school lets out doing something physical, then study after you get home. [17] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source

Listen to music while exercising. Numerous studies have linked music to stress relief and the reduction of anxiety. While out for your walk, listen to music that either relaxes you or makes you happy. [18] X Research source Exercise with a friend. This can do two things at once: get physical activity into your day while letting you socialize, which can help boost your mood and reduce stress. [19] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Physical activity also helps boost memory and recall, which is important when studying. Aerobic exercise helps pump blood to your brain, which helps give it oxygen and nutrients that it needs to work and process information.

Regular aerobic exercise has been found to help reduce tension, stabilize your mood, and reduce stress. Just five minutes of cardio can help start to reduce anxiety. [22] X Research source

Regular exercise boosts energy levels. Since exercise reduces stress, it helps reduce fatigue associated with elevated stress levels. Exercise boosts your ability to sleep. Adequate rest helps you feel more alert and allows your brain to function better as you study. [24] X Research source