Physical activity can have a significant impact on academic performance. Nihaan Mohammed and Omar Al Khatib are two students who have excelled in their studies after taking up sports activities. Mohammed, a 15-year-old student, started playing badminton in Grade 5 and saw a boost in his academic journey. He scored 98.2 percent in his 10th-grade exams, attributing his success to the physical activity that enhanced his focus and grasping capacity. Similarly, Al Khatib, a 14-year-old Egyptian student, experienced a transformation in his academic performance after taking up football. He improved from a C grade to an ‘A’ with 94 percent in his grade 9 exams.
Both Mohammed and Al Khatib have learned to balance their sports training with their studies, realizing that physical activities and academics complement each other to lead to overall excellence. Doctors emphasize the importance of physical activities for students as they help in maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles and bones, improving cardiovascular endurance, and enhancing mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Joana Coelho, a consultant family medicine at Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery in Dubai, points out that physical activities also help in building discipline, teamwork, and resilience, which are essential skills for personal and academic development.
Regular exercise can positively influence academic performance by improving concentration, attention, memory, cognitive function, and energy levels. It also helps in reducing fatigue, enabling students to engage more actively in their academic activities. The discipline and time management skills developed through regular exercise can translate into better study habits, contributing to academic success. Physical exercise not only impacts physical health by boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases but also plays a crucial role in mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression through the release of endorphins, known as feel-good hormones.
In conclusion, the stories of Mohammed and Al Khatib highlight the transformative power of physical activities on academic performance. By engaging in sports activities, students can enhance their cognitive abilities, focus, and overall well-being, leading to superior academic outcomes. It is essential for students to find a balance between physical activities and studies to reap the benefits of being physically active while excelling in their academic pursuits. With the right approach and dedication, students can achieve success in both areas and lead a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
