How to Manage Your Body to Improve Your Mind Throughout academia and higher education in general, one can find advice on how to learn or how to absorb more effectively the knowledge that is presented. While there is a lot of information to be found on how to take notes or how to revise for a test. There is the equally important but much less discussed impact of the connection between body and mind. The impact of having a malnourished or sleep-deprived body can greatly affect the mind's ability to pay attention or remember what has been learned. Although numerous studies have been conducted on alcohol or drugs and the effects they can have on the body and health, mind, the intent of this article will be to focus on a healthy lifestyle. The effects of a foreign substance in the body are known to have a negative impact on mental abilities. It would be more beneficial for most people to determine how much time they should devote to sleep or physical activity and what types of foods they should eat. So, armed with this knowledge, they might not only feel better, but they might get better results. Why is it important to know how much exercise is enough? Exercise increases serotonin levels, lowers the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and, when done externally, can increase the skin's production of vitamin D, an essential nutrient for strong bones. (Further Evidence 2011) Tackling final exams can be difficult enough, but when you add in the days missed due to illness, it can be overwhelming. Moderate exercise can also boost your immune system, helping you fight off a cold or flu. (Further evidence 2011) Numerous studies have demonstrated a connection between physical fitness and improved memory. Frequent exercise leads to increased brain shunt…half of the paper…leading to lack of sleep or an overloaded mind. There have been numerous stories of people skipping breakfast in the morning by rushing to school, only to find that they can't concentrate on the test or lesson due to hunger pangs. No matter how well-intentioned our study habits are, if our body health isn't up to the challenge we may not be able to rise to the occasion. References Cohen I. (1979) Stress and Wound Healing Cells Tissues Organs, 103 134-141 doi: 10.1159/000145004 More evidence of a powerful mind-body connection (2011). Running & FitNews, 29(6)18-20Parmeggiani, PL Velluti, Ricardo A.(2005) Physiological nature of sleep. London, GBR: Imperial College PressPaul, M. Panton, C. & Marzigliano. N. (2008) Do students with healthy habits perform better in their academic studies? Proceedings of the Academy of Educational Leadership (AEL), 13(2) 47-54