Have you ever found yourself unable to focus- where it feels like no matter what you do, you just can’t stand to sit yourself down and be productive?

Perhaps you feel too restless, or have too many thoughts racing through your head. Sometimes when stress builds up to a breaking point, it’s hard to think about anything other than what you’re worrying about. An important presentation, a midterm, a fight with a friend, a loss of a relationship or loved one. These can all be stressors that, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t stop thinking about. No matter how engrossed you try to get into your chemistry or math homework, there remains that sense of dread which feels like it only develops the more you try to ignore the problem. Try not to think about it, you tell yourself and, in doing so, you only end up thinking about it more.

So, in a situation such as this, what can you really do? Do you accept that the problem will just simply pervade your life? Or could there be another way?

According to studies, exercise might be the solution.

Of course, we all know of the physical benefits of a workout routine, however it has been proven to heighten mood and brain function as well. A study composed of adults suffering from depression showed that regular exercise was more likely to produce a lasting effect. While subjects who were only given antidepressants did show signs of improvement, they were found to be more likely to relapse (Siegfried).

Exercise was also found to produce similar positive effects with memory. In an experiment with mice, it was noted that those with inactive lifestyles performed poorly on intelligence tests, displayed depressed behavior, and lost brain mass. However, those which spent more time on the mouse wheel showed the complete opposite characteristics. Interestingly, it was also found that once the sedentary mice began to undertake a more active routine their brain mass eventually grew back (Siegfried).

How can this be? Well, scientifically speaking, exercise tends to increase blood flow to your brain, leading bursts of endorphins and other hormones to be released. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine all tend to be present during and after physical activity, and leave you feeling happy and peaceful. This heightened brain activity also leads to neurogenesis, which creates neurons in the hippocampus, which deals with memory storage in your brain. This enables you to think more clearly after a work out, and causes you to feel more in control of your feelings.

However, there are some other theories as to why those who exercise tend to lead an overall happier life. One proposition is that those who incorporate exercise into their weekly routine live more structured and therefore less hectic lives. By planning when to exercise, people also tend to organize when they will eat, maintain themselves, and get their work done. Being more grounded in these habits decreases the stress involved with work and school, because you have the opportunity to focus on other things as well.

It is important to note that while getting started with an exercise routine is beneficial overall, that one must take the proper precautions to ensure that this will turn into a long term habit. To do so, try to set realistic goals. For most, it is best to have at least three 30-minute workouts spread throughout the week. If this is too hard to accomplish at first, try for 10-15 minute intervals whenever you can. Begin with moderate exercises, such as walking or jogging, and incorporate new aspects whenever you feel more comfortable. If you can, go with a workout buddy to hold you accountable for sticking to plans.

“Each new day is an opportunity to improve yourself.

Take it. And make the most of it.”

– Anonymous