Some people are sporty and some are not; this is a common misconception made by people who assume that sporty folk are a distinct breed among themselves and that “sportiness” can’t be learned.
They’re wrong; and more importantly, they’re not helping anyone by labouring under this misapprehension.
Academics Need Physical Exercise More than Anyone
If you’re about to embark on your dissertation or you’re preparing to, then you’ve probably been on the receiving end of a lot of advice.
People will be telling you to eat well, to do yoga, to make sure that you socialise…but has anyone told you to take up a sport? Probably not; a lot of the advice out there concentrates solely on the job at hand…writing a dissertation.
But the fact is that regular, physical exercise can increase your brain power exponentially. A study published in 2013 in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that one 30 minute session of moderate exercise improved memory, planning and reasoning and it made no difference whether the exercise was aerobic or strength training.
Take up Something New
Preparing yourself to write your dissertation involves more than looking at undergraduate dissertation examples; though that’s always a good idea!
You need to do your reading and research and find yourself a physically challenging pastime.
You needn’t do sporting activities which you don’t enjoy; what’s the point of making yourself go running if you hate it? Similarly find something you can do; circuit training won’t suit you if you’re asthmatic will it?
A Sport for Everyone
The point is that there is something for everyone…you just need to discover what you enjoy and what you can do well. If you have a disability which affects your ability to participate in sports, then why not have a look at what’s available locally for you?
England Athletics have an excellent list of National Disability Sport Organisations.
Sports don’t have to be Sociable
For the un-sporty among us, it’s often the idea of “joining in” which rankles…the thought of “team work” isn’t fun for introverts. But don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re immune to the natural high which physical activity can offer.
Cycling, walking and running are all solo activities which if you dedicate just half an hour per day to, will pay you back multiple times in increased concentration and extended working ability.
If you can’t find the Time, Make the Time
You might have a job to go to, family to visit, partners and friends to fit in along with your dissertation…so cramming in time for exercise may figure low on your to-do-list.
That’s not good enough. You need to get your exercise just as much as you need to do your reading. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re too busy; get up half an hour earlier, drop a TV show…whatever it takes to cram that all important exercise into your day.
You will feel better, look better and most importantly perform better. Find something you enjoy and get on with it!
This advice is provided by academic essay writing experts Oxbridgeessays.com