Prepping the mind for success with our Student Ambassador, Krishi Jain. Stretching before exams to boost mental clarity and performance.
As exam season approaches, students often find themselves buried undera mountain of textbooks, notes, and flashcards, focusing solely on cramming information into their brains. However, amidst the flurry of study sessions, there’s one crucial aspect that is often overlooked: physical preparation. Just as athletes warm up before a game, students can benefit significantly from incorporating stretching into their pre-exam routine. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of stretching before exams and how it can enhance your mental performance.
Relieves Tension and Stress: Long hours of studying can lead to physical tension and stress buildup in the body. Stretching helps to alleviate this tension by loosening tight muscles, promoting relaxation, and reducing stress levels. A relaxed body sets the stage for a focused and clear mind, crucial for optimal performance during exams.
• Increases Blood Flow: Stretching improves blood circulation throughout the body, including the brain. This increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain cells, enhancing cognitive function and mental clarity. Improved circulation also helps to combat fatigue, keeping you alert and attentive throughout your study sessions and exams.
• Enhances Concentration and Focus: The rhythmic movements involved in stretching stimulate the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters responsible for promoting feelings of well-being and improving mood. This natural boost in mood can enhance your concentration and focus, making it easier to retain information and stay engaged during study sessions and exams.
• Reduces Risk of Injury: Sitting for prolonged periods while studying can lead to stiffness and muscle imbalances, increasing the risk of injury. Incorporating stretching into your pre-exam routine helps to counteract these effects by improving flexibility, range of motion, and posture. By keeping your muscles and joints healthy and supple, you’ll reduce the likelihood of experiencing discomfort or injury during exams.
Tips for Effective Stretching
• Start with gentle, dynamic stretches to warm up your muscles and prepare your body for more intense stretching exercises.
• Focus on major muscle groups, including the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and legs, as these areas tend to tense up during prolonged periods of studying.
• Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds, breathing deeply and gradually increasing the stretch without forcing or bouncing.
• Incorporate mindful breathing techniques to enhance relaxation and promote mental clarity.
• Listen to your body and avoid overstretching or pushing yourself beyond your limits to prevent injury.
In the race to ace exams, it’s easy to neglect the importance of physical well-being. However, by incorporating stretching into your pre-exam routine, you can optimize your mental performance and increase your chances of success. Whether it’s a quick stretch break between study sessions or a longer stretching session before the exam, prioritize your physical health to maximize your academic achievements. Remember, a relaxed body leads to a focused mind – so stretch your way to success.
Krishi Jain is studying Medicine at RSCI via Education in Ireland.