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Among the many benefits that exercise provides, some can also help us improve in the classroom. Learn how sports are related to academic performance.
Sport is very important at all ages and it positively affects not only physical fitness. Many times we abandon routines due to lack of time and focus on study or work. However, training can help improve our performance in those areas. Do you know how sport is related to academic performance? Find out in this note.
Cognitive functions, such as attention or memory, are essential for learning. These are reinforced when we improve our physical condition.
Know the relationship between sport and academic performance
People who play sports have physical, social and mental benefits that favor academic performance. Playing sports helps improve concentration and memory, among other cognitive abilities.
A research work focused on children aged 5 to 13 years suggests that there are positive associations between physical activity, physical fitness and academic performance. Many universities even promote the practice of sports and grant scholarships to their students for this purpose.
The benefits of sport for academic performance
Different benefits in the areas that make up academic performance can be derived from playing sports regularly. Some of them are the following:
- Improves concentration: sports activities require concentration and put us in situations in which we must resolve quickly.
- Generates endorphins: They are small proteins that help relieve pain, reduce stress levels and provide a feeling of well-being. When we laugh, if we eat chocolate or exercise, we release endorphins. A greater sense of happiness affects the mood to face school or work challenges.
- Improves lung capacity: all physical activities contribute to improving lung capacity. This allows a good exchange of oxygen and more of it reaches the brain.
- Avoid sedentary lifestyle: academic performance can suffer if the body has aches and pains from sitting still for long periods of time. Studies support the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
- Reduce stress: This is one of the problems that most affects students. Before taking an exam, we are likely to feel tension or emotional burden. Any physical or recreational activity favors the mind at this point.
Activity plays a very important role in generating links between people. Among other things, sport is a tool for social integration.
In addition, it allows us to achieve a consistent cognitive development. Sport favors educational processes and socialization.
It is very likely that the same study group will also become a soccer team, basketball team or soccer team. rugby, which reinforces interaction and helps cultivate values. Here are some social reasons why sport should be included in formal education:
- Improve integration.
- inculcate values that influence the academic level, such as justice, respect, teamwork, discipline, responsibility and tolerance.
- Help to coexistence: Teamwork is essential to achieve collective and individual success. The fact of meeting with other people can help us to reinforce knowledge, exchange ideas and learn from others.
- Raises self-esteem: self-esteem is reinforced when we are able to improve ourselves. It is feasible that these virtues are also transferred to the classroom. In addition, those with high self-esteem are less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety, common problems among college students.
- Promotes discipline: In general, those who do sports are better organized and tend to lead a life with healthier habits. Sport teaches to have responsibilities.
Improve your performance on the court and in the classroom
Sports practice is very important to improve academic performance. Performing physical activity, at least 5 hours a week, brings us great benefits that will be reflected when we dedicate ourselves to study.
It is key to have a good organization of schedules for each activity and that the exercise is in its fair measure. Go ahead and practice sports, have fun and improve your performance in class!
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