Physical activity as a catalyst for learning

Picture yourself in a familiar situation: It's 1 PM, and you're in a course, fighting to stay alert after lunch as the presenter shares valuable insights about new industry regulations. Your mind wanders, and you find yourself rereading the same slide multiple times.

This is not an unusual challenge, but there's a surprisingly simple solution that many overlook. Physical movement, even in small amounts, can significantly improve how we learn and retain information.

The science of movement and learning

Research consistently shows that physical activity enhances cognitive function and learning capacity. That is because moving the body releases proteins in the brain that can improve memory and increase cognitive performance.It also increases blood flow and influences neurotransmitter systems that impact mood, attention, and motivation. Even short bursts of activity, like standing during a lecture or taking a quick walk, can significantly improve working memory and attention, as demonstrated in this study by Mullane et al. (2017). 

Implementing movement in professional courses

In our courses, we've discovered numerous ways to incorporate movement without compromising professionalism. As part of our approach to building a better brain, we encourage simple activities like changing discussion partners, standing during group work, or taking short walking breaks around our building between sessions to help maintain engagement throughout the day. We complement these physical activities with brief meditation sessions, offering participants a comprehensive approach to maintaining mental clarity.

One of our participants highlighted how these small yet intentional movements made a difference in their learning experience: "I appreciated the addition of breaks during the session. Those 5–10 minute comfort breaks and stretches helped me stay focused throughout the day. Starting the morning with meditation was also a great way to get into the right mindset." Many others have experienced similar benefits from our active learning approach - see what they have to say about learning with us.

Smart movement strategies for busy professionals

Integrating movement into your learning doesn't require major changes to your work routine. These simple adjustments can make a significant difference in how you process and retain information throughout your day:

• Stand while reading complex materials
• Take a 5-minute walk before tackling challenging topics
• Use the "50/10 rule": 50 minutes of focused work followed by 10 minutes of movement
• Practice gentle stretching during online courses
• Change your working position every 30 minutes

The shift toward remote work and virtual learning brings new opportunities to incorporate movement. Here are some ways to stay active while learning from home:

• Walking while listening to professional podcasts
• Standing during virtual meetings
• Using break times for brief stretching sessions
  
  

Practical application in your workday

If you’re not used to moving much during your day, it’s ok to start small. Begin with one or two movement breaks in your day, particularly before important learning sessions. These don't need to be disruptive - simple position changes or walking over to a colleague in another department can make a significant difference.

For team settings, suggest standing meetings for brief discussions or walking meetings for one-on-one conversations. These approaches often lead to more focused, efficient discussions while incorporating beneficial movement.

Getting started

Making changes to established work routines can feel challenging, especially in a professional environment where time is precious. Start building these habits gradually with small, manageable steps that won't disrupt your workflow:

• Schedule specific times for movement breaks
• Find a colleague who wants to join you in similar practices
• Set an active break timer every time you start on focused work
• Keep comfortable shoes at your desk for walking breaks
  
  

The role of mindfulness

Research shows that mindfulness techniques combined with physical activity create a powerful foundation for learning. At our courses, we integrate both elements through structured breaks that include guided movement and meditation. This combination helps participants maintain focus while processing complex information.

These sessions help participants transition between learning modules and maintain mental clarity throughout the day. The techniques are simple yet effective: focused breathing, gentle stretching, and brief mindfulness exercises that can be practiced sitting or standing. Everyone can choose to participate, regardless of their fitness level.

Participants often report feeling more alert and better able to absorb information after these sessions. The practice proves particularly valuable during intensive courses where maintaining concentration is crucial. Many continue using these techniques in their daily work, finding them helpful for managing information-heavy tasks and complex decision-making processes.

Join us for better learning

Whether you're advancing your knowledge in market access, updating your skills in medical affairs, or staying current with new pharmaceutical regulations, our teaching methods blend professionalism with proven learning techniques. Through structured movement, active breaks, and optional meditation sessions, we help you maintain focus and engagement throughout your course day. Explore our course catalogue to find out how our courses can support your professional development.