CREATING BALANCE It all starts with a good routine! This session focused on the importance of maintaining a balance between study, exercise, sleep, work, and socialising. Students learnt about the benefits of regular exercise to optimise brain function and mental health during the year.
BALANCE
Creating balance is dynamic. It will change depending on priorities and what is happening in life at the time. Find a balance between study, exercise, sleep, work, and socialising as the foundation of health and calm during Year 12. Don’t give up sporting activities and exercise, as it is good for the brain. Timetable these activities into a planner and make time for winding down.
WHY REGULAR EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT
We all know the benefit of our physical health. Exercise also helps our brain stay sharp, improves our capacity for learning and improves our ability to organise ourselves and achieve our goals. The immediate benefits include improved focus and concentration, improved reaction times and an immediate elevation of our mood. When we exercise regularly over a long period, we change our brains. An array of hormones and proteins are released. These hormones provide a nourishing environment for growth of brain cells AND makes it easier for the brain to grow new connections between cells so new information is remembered more easily. Physical activity is good for mental health too. Endorphins and serotonin are released when we exercise which improve our mood, so students are calmer for whatever challenges are thrown their way.