Written by: Samantha Hakes
Coaches, parents, and teachers hear it from students all the time: “I don’t want to do a sport this year because I want to do well in school.” While this may be a valid argument against playing sports, it is not completely accurate. Participating in physical activity- school sports in particular- can actually benefit your performance in school.
When you exercise, your heart rate goes up, which increases the blood flow to the brain carrying glucose and oxygen. The result is an improvement in the brain’s ability to remember things and to learn new material. In addition to this, exercising helps to relieve stress and anxiety. According to Livestrong.com, “By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, exercise works as a natural antidepressant” (Garvin 3). So if you’re stressed about an upcoming test, try exercising. And what better way to do that than with your high school?
Work Cited
Garvin, S. Karen. How Does Exercise help the brain? Livestrong.com. Demand media, Inc.. 22 september, 2015. www.Livestrong.com. 13 October, 2016.
