LIFE

With the first day of school waiting in the wings, you're likely completely dreading the homework, early mornings and tests (ugh!) that come along with it. Tests especially can be stressful. We've all been there—you use flash cards, review your notes and perfect your study guide, and you still find yourself internally freaking out with each passing second. If this sounds like you, it could be time to add exercise to your study routine.

We all know the benefits of exercise: You burn more calories, you sleep better and you feel better overall. But, did you know that exercise can also improve your test scores?

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University in England conducted a study with a group of students and found that concentration levels and response times are at an increased level for about 45 minutes after exercising. The researchers reported that the test subjects, who completed 10 x 10 second sprints, interspersed by 50 seconds of walking, had a response time increase of about 5 percent. 45 minutes = the perf amount of time to ace an exam!

If you're feeling iffy before a quiz or test, excuse yourself to the bathroom and do a few sets of jumping jacks. Then, take the long way back to class. It'll improve your concentration and, in turn, your test scores as well.

Will you add exercise to your first study sesh this school year? 

by Deanna Schwartz | 8/9/2016