Regardless, the research and visible evidence as to this country’s rate of health is unsettling. Thus, the importance of staying active cannot be overstated when it comes to being an employee. 

Not only does regular physical activity benefit your physical health, but it also has a profound impact on your mental well-being. Strangely, while there has been a great amount of discussion over the years about maintaining a healthy work-life balance in careers, there is less of a conversation and imperative that seems to be encouraged among student populations, especially online students engaging in education technology tools. No matter, the same rules, consequences, and benefits apply whether someone is sitting in an office, a classroom, or living room. Here are some reasons why it is important to stay active while pursuing an online degree.

Physical Benefits of Being Active
Physical activity has been proven and documented as being a wonderful way to maintain and even improve physical well-being. There are a list of ways in which extracurricular activities benefit the body, and even more choices available for how to engage in physical activity. The following are some examples of the benefits of physical activity for anyone, including online students.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Americans have a stunningly bad track record or cardiovascular health. While there are a number of reasons for this such as the SAD American diet, easy access to starchy and sugary foods, or just too large portion sizes, that is just a part of poor national cardiovascular health. The good news is that there are plenty of activities that can easily be engaged in which benefit cardio health.

Running, swimming, hiking, or cycling are more intense, proven ways to strengthen your heart and improve circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. If those are a bit too strenuous or intimidating to start out with though, walking, yoga, and Tai Chi are gentle alternatives.

Helping to Maintain a Healthy Weight

Sitting just does not burn as many calories as being physically active. That’s a big reason as to why workers and students tend to gain weight while involved in their responsibilities. Luckily, just like cardio, regular exercise easily and quickly burns calories and builds muscle. In this way staying physically active helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity in the present and future.

Boosts Immune System

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 1 billion people worldwide suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, 35% of those are American adults. As one of the most important vitamins to maintain a healthy immune system— as well as balancing calcium levels in the blood for stronger bones— getting enough vitamin D is important.

The good news is that one of the most effective ways to up vitamin D levels is to simply go outside and get some sunlight. Bonus points if that can be involved in physical activity which boosts the immune system, making you less susceptible to illnesses and infections.

Mental Well-being Benefits of Staying Active

According to the American Psychological Association the rate of stress and anxiety amongst students is alarmingly high. Over 75% of students aged 13-17 have reported a variety of symptoms as a result of stress from the demands imposed by their school students. If that number seems bad then college student numbers are even worse, with stress levels and course loads, effective sleep quality, grades, and emotional health overall. The good news is that mental health workers maintain that physical activity demonstrates itself as being a deterrent to poor mental health no matter the age.

Exercise reduces levels of stress and anxiety, helps to establish a sense of calm and well-being. It also stimulates the release of various healthy hormones like dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that contribute to feelings of happiness. Additionally, exercise improves cognitive function, helping with focus, memory, and test taking.