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We have heard many times over just how much the body needs exercise. It gets the muscles and the joints moving – and the blood flowing throughout our cardiovascular system. But did you know that your brain can actually benefit from exercise, too? It’s true – there are many neurological benefits to staying physically active.
When the impact is so positive, narrowing down the benefits can be a chore. Where do you start? When it comes to staying physically active and the impact it can have on your brain, here are a few of the most impactful benefits.
Reduces Your Stress. Carrying a lot of stress is never healthy – especially for your brain. However, when you begin exercising regular, your body will let that stress go, shedding it and keeping it from impacting your health.
Increases Quality Sleep. Sleep is so important for your body – and so many reasons. Though, many find getting a good night’s sleep difficult. By adding more physical activity into your life, you may find that getting a full night of high-quality sleep is not so tough after all.
Reduce Anxiety. Anxiety is a common problem for those with certain thyroid conditions. By engaging in fitness and stimulating the brain, you may actually reduce anxiety. Depression, too.
Increases Focus. Believe it or not, the part of your brain that measures your ability to concentrate and focus can be measured. This is called your individual alpha peak frequency, or iAPF. When you exercise, iAPF increases — helping you to pay attention better.
Increases Memory. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that is tied to our ability to learn and remember things. As we get older, it begins to shrink – hence the fact that learning and memory become issues as we age. But with regular exercise, we can actually help the hippocampus to grow!
Reduces Chance of Memory Diseases. Things like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are linked to certain unhealthy conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. By remaining active, you can reduce your chance of getting one of these diseases.
When we say you need to be physically active and exercise, we don’t mean you need to start training for Iron Man Challenge – or give up hours each day to spend at the gym. We are talking about as little as 30 – 60 minutes each day doing something active.
These are all great examples. You want something that is going to get your heart rate up. If it helps, consider investing in a fitness watch with a heart rate monitor. Not only will this entice you to get more steps in and stay more active, but it will let you know when you are getting the right kind of exercise for your brain. After all, there is a big difference between an evening stroll and a brisk morning walk. They are both wonderful, but the latter is more beneficial to your brain.
What exercise will you do to promote brain health?
