A study from North Carolina State University found that just an hour of exercise could boost your GPA by 0.06 and increase your chances of graduating by 49%. Besides helping maintain a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic health issues, working out can also improve your academic performance.

If you’re studying online, you might miss out on the physical activity that comes with walking around a campus. It’s important to make exercise a part of your daily routine. The great thing is, you don’t need a pricey gym membership to get in shape. Simple at-home workouts, like yoga, can help you stay healthy.

Exercising isn’t just about physical health—it helps improve your energy levels, which can fight off the fatigue that comes with long hours of study. For online students, spending one to three hours on yoga, aerobics, or other body exercises can reduce the risk of depression and heart disease. Yoga can improve both your strength and your heart rate, and it helps with cardiovascular functions.

Online students spend a lot of time in front of screens, which can cause eyestrain and headaches. Taking breaks to do some yoga can give your eyes a much-needed rest. Exercise has benefits for your brain too. It increases levels of certain chemicals that boost memory and problem-solving skills, and just 20 minutes of exercise can improve your concentration.

Study breaks are essential to stay motivated and productive. Instead of lounging on the couch, exercise to stay alert by increasing blood flow and releasing stress-related toxins. Stretching can relax your muscles and leave you feeling refreshed, boosting your productivity and motivation for school.

Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is a simple way to enhance your academic performance. You don’t need a gym membership to stay fit. With various at-home workouts and yoga, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle right at home. Just invest in some basic equipment and make time for regular exercise.