Whether you're an avid exerciser or someone who never works out, you've probably heard about how exercise can improve your overall health and well-being in addition to your physical health. Although it's good to be informed about how exercise can benefit you, one area that often gets neglected when it comes to exercise tips is the brain. You may assume that since your brain doesn't have muscles, it doesn't benefit from regular workouts, but this couldn't be further from the truth! Exercising is an inexpensive tool for improving your brain function. Let's find out what precisely physical exercise does for your brain.
1. Reduce anxiety and negative mood
Exercise is an effective way to reduce anxiety. It increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters important for experiencing a good mood. One study found that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise was enough to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Additionally, exercise can help improve sleep quality, which can further reduce stress and anxiety levels. Another study also found that people who have mild cognitive impairment and do not engage in regular physical activity have a faster decline in memory than those who are physically active on a regular basis. Of course, the relationship between exercise and brain health may vary depending on factors such as age or type of disorder. However, there is still significant evidence showing its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving cognition. A recent study at the University of Sydney confirms that everyone benefits not only from walking but from performing resistance training at least twice per week.
2. Improve cognitive function
Regular exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in several ways. First, it can improve blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which is essential for optimal brain function. It also promotes neurogenesis by increasing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which stimulates the development of new neurons and synapses. As we age, our brains naturally shrink and lose some of their connections. But by engaging in regular aerobic activity, we may be able to counteract this natural decline. In fact, research shows that older adults who exercised had sharper minds than their peers when they stopped moving. Secondly, exercise helps improve memory recall. One study found that just 35 minutes of moderate exercise can help improve reaction time and working memory. In addition, regular exercise has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. So if you want to learn faster and remember more, start moving!
3. Prevent Althzemer
Studies have found that people who engage in regular aerobic exercise have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This is because exercise helps to improve brain function by increasing the levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). BDNF is a protein that helps to protect and repair brain cells. Alzheimer's disease is not curable, so it makes sense to think about prevention strategies, and physical exercise is one of them.
4. Stimulate creativity
When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which have been shown to improve mood and creativity. Exercise has also been linked with increased dream recall and lucidity. That means that you're more likely to remember your dreams and even be able to control them. Working out can improve brain function and provide the mental clarity needed to find an innovative solution. For example, some people can find a solution to a problem during sleep. Regular exercise has also been shown to increase imagination. People who are inactive for as little as five days will experience significant decreases in their cognitive performance when it comes to imagining new events or objects.
5. Help to improve the quality of sleep
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for overall health, and exercise can help improve the quality of your sleep. Physical activity reduces stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Even moderate-intensity activities like walking or gardening can make a difference in reducing insomnia and fatigue associated with poor sleep habits. One study concluded that participation in exercise training has a moderately beneficial effect on sleep quality and decreases both sleep latency and the use of sleep medication.
So if you want to keep up your mental capacity as you get older, start exercising now!
