During this final exam week, one of our BA peer tutors hit the gym with a partner to lift some weights. A couple of things caught my attention:
- how inspiring it was to see a student’s goal was to help their peer reach their goal
- how important it is take time away from our text books and study guides and online forums to just move.
This isn’t a blog about how to take a much needed break from studying – though I absolutely promote a balanced lifestyle. Rather this is a blog about using another dimension of studying – synthesizing info.

Roline Nguyen & Charanjit Singh, ASC peer tutors
Put an airbrushed check-mark to the sentences which you could’ve authored:
- An answer to a question I’ve been working with comes to me while walking on a trail.
- While kicking a soccer ball with a friend, I set up 4 major points for a paper I’m writing.
- As I jog, I recite answers to questions I anticipate will be on my final exam.
- I find a creative way to work well with my peers on our project while meandering on my bike.
The Winnipeg Free Press hosts a column about “Our Winnipeg, my favourite place.” A recent publication featured the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s resident conductor, Julian Pellicano. Pellicano does much of his thinking on the paths of the Assiniboine Forest – modeling his work practice after legendary composers who finish a working session with a vigorous walk. After spending hours studying orchestral music, this Winnipegger eloquently describes why he does what he does, “I take a walk and let it all sink in; to see how much I remember of what I just worked on….part of my process takes place on the trails of Assiniboine Forest” Pellicano concludes his interview with the following invite: “if we happen to run into each other on the trails, don’t hesitate to ask what I’m working on.”
Going back to the “is this you checklist,” there is a growing body of evidence that suggest s we think and learn better when we walk, swim or do another form of exercise. When we exercise, we increase blood flow and blood pressure. Our brain is just one recipient of this increased blood flow and more blood = more energy and oxygen. Since cognitive processes such as problem-solving require maximum brain power, the healthier we make our brain, the better it’ll function! So, not only does our body perform better with increased movement, but our brain joins in on this performance-enhanced experience. How much activity should we do?
A Harvard study found that taking 2 ½ hours a week (distributed in a way that suits you best). This translates to approximately 20 minutes/day. Going back to the gym, it seems like these BA students catapulted right from an involved Entrepreneurial project straight into the throws of finals. Yet, by taking the time to intentionally work on building muscle, they unintentionally were building one of their most important muscles.
Referenced from:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-you-think-better-after-walk-exercise/
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/musical-walk-255905141.html
Submitted by Dayna Graham, Adult Learning Facilitator & Academic Coach, Academic Success Centre