There seems to be no end to the benefits of exercise. Research says it will improve brain function. But before that, let’s find out first some brain activities going on while you are doing your exercise routine.
Humans need to move or else fall victim to what is often referred to as the sitting disease.
If the majority of your day is spent sitting, your overall health will suffer, it can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and other serious chronic illness as you get older.
Lack of movement can lead to heart attack, stroke, and a general loss in quality of life in our senior years.
Everyone agrees that exercise is physically great for the body. However, did you know that exercise also has a wide variety of benefits for the human brain?
What exactly happens in our brains when we exercise to have such an impressive effect on our mental health?
What Actually Happens In The Brain During Exercise
Exercise causes our heart pressure to rise, which sends a signal to the brain that the body is under stress. In response, a protein is released into our body called “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF).
This protein is thought of as a “reset switch” – it repairs memory neurons, making thoughts seem crystal clear after exercising and putting the body at ease.
Simultaneously, endorphins are released into the brain, which is meant to limit the degree of pain and discomfort associated with exercise, even creating a sense of euphoria.
Like BDNF, endorphins are released in response to the feeling of “stress” brought on by exercise. The term, “runner’s high” is the coined phrase used to describe the surge of endorphins during exercise that acts as a natural anti-depressant.
The same antidepressant-like effect from a “runner’s high” results in a reduction of stress level hormones.
Additionally, a study conducted in Stockholm showed that running stimulates cell growth in the hippocampus, which is the portion of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
How Our Mind and Body Are Affected
Together, BDNF and endorphins give us a “happy” feeling after exercise. These are somewhat addictive in nature, which is one reason why some people seem obsessed with exercising, although this “addiction” can be a healthy one.
Besides the short-term high from endorphins and BDNF, exercise also has long-term benefits. Studies show that people are happier and more productive throughout the day when they exercise.
A Penn State research study showed that people who had worked out within the previous month were happier and more productive at work compared to those who had not exercised but not quite to the same degree as those who had worked out earlier that day.
People who exercise regularly have much better moods than those who don’t and retain a stronger sense of calmness throughout the day.
Exercise affects the brain on various fronts. Not only does it increase heart rate that pumps more oxygen to the brain, it also facilitates the release of various hormones that provides a nourishing environment for the growth of brain cells.
Research conducted at UCLA showed that working out stimulates the growth of new neuronal connections in a variety of important cortical areas of the brain.
Brain Function and Exercise
Better brain function with exercise? The evidence is clear. Not only can you get long-term benefits for your brain from exercise, but you can boost you brain power in the next ten minutes. Exercise can help your brain work more efficiently and actually make you smarter.
The thinking ability of subjects was tested in one study. After these tests, the subjects ran on a treadmill for thirty minutes. When their hearts returned to normal resting levels they took the follow-up tests.
During all tests, the subjects were connected to an EEG (electroencephalogram), in order to track their brainwaves.
Researchers found that exercising had increased the speed their decision-making. It was considered a significant difference beyond normal statistical variation.
They also found that the subjects answered more accurately after the exercise than before.
Participants were between 18 and 24 years old, but researchers think the findings will hold true for other age groups as well.
One study showed that just ten minutes of moderate exercise each day can improve mood and reduce fatigue. Brain function specifically wasn’t tested, but it seems likely that less fatigue means better brain power.
Best Exercise For Brain Function
The research has focused more on the duration of exercise more than on the specific type. Aerobic exercise seems to be the common element in the studies that have shown improvements in brain function.
It’s likely that running, bicycling, swimming, dancing, and any other aerobic exercise will have the same effect.
Notice that ten minutes of exercise is apparently enough to have effects on the brain.
Also, while most scientists probably expected to find better brain function from long-term exercise programs, the study using treadmills showed an immediate effect.
In other words, get up and run around, and you can be smarter ten minutes from now.
Some people find that walking is a great way to boost brain power. There are the aerobic benefits now being proven by recent studies, but there seems to be something more.
It may be due to its rhythmic and relaxing nature that many people report their clearest and most creative thinking when walking.
We already knew that exercise was good for sleeping better, a healthier immune system, weight control, and a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Now you can add brain power to that list. Why not take a walk today for better brain function?
How To Maximize Exercise Benefits
20 Minutes
Based on this information, you might think that professional athletes are the happiest people on the planet.
According to research conducted by the Department of Exercise Science at the University of Georgia showed that only 20 minutes of exercise is needed to reach that peak level of productivity, positive mood, and facilitates information processing and memory functions. The key is to turn it into a habit.
Mental And Physical Connection
There is an important mental and physical connection that can increase the benefits of exercise.
For example, an exercise that integrates different parts of brain activity, such as ballroom dancing that requires rhythm, strategy, coordination and thoughtfulness in movements stimulates cognitive health more than less complex workouts like running or cycling that do not necessarily engage diverse mental abilities.
Adding Exercise To Your Life
Working out in the morning before work or school helps to spike brain activity, prepares you for stresses you may incur during your day, allows for increased retention of new information and learning, and equips you to cope with complex situations that may arise.
Start off easy – even just 5-10 minutes a day – and gradually increase the length and intensity of your workout. Going to a group or class at the gym makes exercising more fun, and it’s a great way to learn new techniques and to meet new fitness-minded people.
However, getting motivated to go to the gym regularly can be a challenge, so try different exercises at home and outdoors in your neighborhood, such as jogging, biking, strength training, etc. Variety is the spice of life, and the more you vary your routine the better for your motivation and your body.
There are many apps on your smartphone that can provide you with workout sets for all experience levels and even guide you through the exercises. Furthermore, apps like Map My Fitness and Nike enable you to track your progress, which is a great way to stay motivated as you watch yourself improve.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the health of your mind and body are closely connected, and exercise is one of the best – if not the very best – ways to improve mental and physical health in both the long-term and short-term.
The long-term benefits of exercising regularly are immense – reduced risk of disease, improved mental health, stronger body or muscles, reduced stress, improved digestion, improved blood circulation, and much more.
Even just going on a 20-minute daily walk is immensely better for you than staying sedentary. Find a training partner, set a schedule, do whatever you have to do to get those endorphins and BDNF proteins pumping as often as you can!
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