Manning and Great Lakes HSC students are being encouraged to take time off to get some physical exercise during their studies and the YMCA NSW (the Y) is offering a helping hand.
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The Taree and Forster aquatic leisure centres are offering free training so students can de-stress throughout the hectic exam period.
Exams start on October 20 and the free training is available until November 11.
"This year has been exceptionally challenging for young people and the Y is absolutely committed to doing everything we can to take the pressure off," Y NSW CEO, Susannah Le Bron said.
"We know that a healthy body means a healthy mind and during the HSC, students' normal team or recreational sport activities can fall by the wayside as the study demands pile up.
"We are removing the financial barrier and inviting our hardworking Year 12s to swap the pen and books for a treadmill or yoga mat at their local Y."
According to the Deakin University, exercising for as little as 10 minutes a day promotes the flow of oxygen to the brain, relieving tension and improving focus and mood.
We know that a healthy body means a healthy mind and during the HSC, students' normal team or recreational sport activities can fall by the wayside as the study demands pile up.
- Susannah Le Bron
A recent study of Year 11 students by the University of Newcastle found that participating in short exercise sessions during study improved students' concentration and helped them to feel more energised.
Eighteen-year-old Lauren Bird trained at the Y for free while completing her HSC last year and said it helped her sleep and get motivated.
"When you're doing nine-hour study days, past paper after past paper and essay writing, it's really helpful to change it up and switch from a study to a workout environment," she said.
"Sometimes I'd wake up really stressed and not in the mindset to study, you just want to roll over and sleep and pretend the HSC isn't happening.
"But I'd go to the gym, get in the headspace and come home ten times more ready to study."
Lauren loved the Y fitness environment so much; she applied for a job halfway through her exams and now works as a lifeguard at Kur-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
For a full list of terms of conditions or to sign up visit the YMCA website.
As well as HSC students, young people aged 12+ years are invited to tune-in online and in-person with the Y during Mental Health Month which runs throughout October in Australia.
The Y is marking this year's theme, 'tune-in' with a variety of activities at Y Spaces across the State.
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