Physical activity isn’t just a hobby or important for our physical health, it’s an essential tool for us to excel academically and protect our mental health
In today’s high-pressure academic environment, balancing social and academic demands often leads us to push physical activity aside, despite its importance in helping us stay resilient and perform at our best. With McMaster University offering a variety of programs and classes, staying active is not only achievable but necessary for those of us who want to perform at our best, both academically and mentally.
Mental health challenges are on the rise among university students, as anxiety, depression and burnout are becoming increasingly common. Physical activity can act as a buffer against these issues by regulating and reducing levels of stress hormones like cortisol.
Exercise also stimulates the release of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters that boost our mood and reduce stress, often with benefits comparable to medication or therapy.
The cognitive benefits of physical activity go beyond just stress relief. Studies reveal that engaging in regular physical activity often results in sharper mental function, better problem-solving abilities, and higher academic performance. Physical activity promotes better blood flow to the brain, which enhances neuroplasticity, our brain’s ability to learn and adapt.
Studies reveal that engaging in regular physical activity often results in sharper mental function, better problem-solving abilities, and higher academic performance.
Sleep also plays a significant role in academic success and physical activity is a well-known contributor to better sleep quality. A lack of restful sleep impairs memory consolidation and cognitive function, making it harder for us to absorb and retain information. Those of us who exercise regularly are more likely to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed, giving us the energy and focus we need to excel in the classroom.
It’s easy to assume that staying active is impossible with a packed student schedule, but physical activity can be integrated into our daily lives. McMaster University offers several programs designed to make exercise accessible and enjoyable, even for those of us with the busiest routines.
McMaster University offers several programs designed to make exercise accessible and enjoyable, even for those of us with the busiest routines.
GymBuds, for example, connects us with fitness mentors who help create an inclusive space in the gym. As well, personal training offers students expert support and personalized guidance.
Group fitness and cycling classes are another great option. From yoga to spin classes, these classes make it easier for us to build fitness into our day without overthinking it. They also foster a sense of community, as exercising alongside our peers helps us combat loneliness while also boosting our motivation to stay active.
Intramural sports and drop-in activities offer a different avenue for fitness by combining physical activity with fun, low-pressure competition. Participating in activities like volleyball, basketball, or soccer provides more than just physical benefits — it teaches us teamwork, communication and stress management skills. For those of us overwhelmed by academic pressures, these activities provide an outlet to release tension while fostering friendships that support our mental health.
Plus, since we're already paying for access to all these activities through our tuition, we might as well make the most of it and get our money's worth.
The benefits of fitness extend far beyond university. Developing healthy exercise habits now sets us up for lifelong physical and mental well-being.
The benefits of fitness extend far beyond university. Developing healthy exercise habits now sets us up for lifelong physical and mental well-being. Physical activity is just as essential as studying or attending lectures. We can build exercise into our routines, even through small steps like biking to campus, taking the stairs, or getting off of the bus one or two stops earlier.
Fitness isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. For us students looking to excel in both academics and life, it’s time to embrace movement as the foundation of success.
Travis Nguyen/Photo Editor
Shorter days and longer nights from daylights savings have mental and physical effects
Don’t get me wrong, I love the colder seasons. Halloween, Christmas, doing winter festivities, the snow and much more. But I do not like when it’s pitch black outside by 5 p.m. and the day that felt as though it just started is already done.
It confuses me because, although I’ll still have classes, meetings or work after the sun sets, it becomes hard for my brain to wrap around the notion that I’ll be working for hours in complete darkness.
We may not truly even realize it, but we do rely on the sun for a lot. When it comes to the simplicities of aiding our health, the sun is a great mood booster and important for your physical health as a whole.
Light is the most powerful regulator of our internal clock, known as our circadian rhythm. In fact, some people may not even adjust to the time change after several months. We also rely on the sun everyday without even knowing.
We use it as a way to tell time in our day-to-day lives. It nurtures the food and plants that we need, it keeps our ecosystems growing and it keeps our earth moving. With these shorter and colder days, we see the sun less, which has large effects on us both physically and mentally.
The shorter and colder days can also cause depression to increase in prevalence. The darkness and coldness limits how often we go out and we can begin to feel isolated. As university students, it becomes difficult for many to have the motivation to do work when it feels as though it is night-time and one should be unwinding instead.
This is where seasonal affective disorder comes in, also known as seasonal depression or the winter blues. One way to recognize the symptoms of SAD is if you feel normal during spring and summer, then feel drained with your energy and mood as days get shorter during winter, almost like you want to hibernate.
As the semester is either ending or a new one is starting at this time of the year, our stress is at its peak and the effects of daylight savings can have immense effects on us physically as well.
The lack of sunlight can cause cluster headaches that can cause pain for days or weeks on end. If you’re not getting enough sleep during this transition, this can lead to increased levels of a hormone called ghrelin which regulates hunger and may cause an increase in appetite.
It is important that you keep your mental health in check and professionals recommend taking Vitamin D supplements during this time, seeking help if you need it, eating healthier and maintaining some kind of physical activity during the cold months.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, focusing on one’s self and still taking it easy will help immensely. It is a difficult shift for many, but attempting to balance everything in a healthy way can improve one’s physical and mental health during these cold months.
