This is what happens to your brain when you exercise regularly
Most of us know how important exercise is for our bodies. But did you know that it might also help your brain? Well, when it comes to the body, we stay alert about the signs of pain, wear and tear that our body shows, but if the same happens to the brain, most of us usually forget to listen to what the mind has to say.
That’s why we don’t usually consider brain training. But doing so can do wonders to your overall health, ladies! Regular physical activity is not just about keeping muscles and bones in shape, but it also has a great impact on your mental health too.
Exercising is a boon for your brain
The findings of a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry suggest that exercising not only reduces depression symptoms, but also increases the brain’s ability to change, which is necessary for adaptation and learning processes. That means exercise can relax our nerves and help us filter our thoughts and understand them better.
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The benefits of exercise are so prominent, because people who are physically active can be seen happier and more satisfied with their lives than others. In fact, exercise can ensure less mental health issues in the future as well.
We’ve seen people exercise for different purposes. Many do it to stay fit, whereas others do to prevent serious health conditions like heart diseases, obesity, diabetes, and stroke. Only a few people exercise with the intent to improve their brain functioning. If you belong to those few people or if you decide to be a part of them, these are the benefits you can expect:
1. Boost your mood
When we exercise, our body releases chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins immediately in our brain. These are the natural mood filters, which regulate your mood and enhance your sense of motivation, making you feel happy.
2. You feel less anxious and stressed
People who participate in regular exercise report more positive emotions than people who don’t. How? Well, when your body is under stress, you feel panicked. Your body releases cortisol, and exercise is said to decrease cortisol. And therefore, it can manage the symptoms of anxiety and stress.
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3. Promotes better sleep
Being active gives you more energy during the day and helps you sleep better at night. In turn, better sleep improves creativity and brain function.
4. Sharper memory and thinking
It’s a known fact that regular physical activity can boost memory and thinking indirectly by improving your mood and sleep. Moreover, it reduces stress and anxiety. That’s because these problems can affect your brain’s ability to function properly.
5. Promotes a sense of achievement
Exercise connects your mind and body. A regular workout makes you feel strong and powerful, so that you can enjoy a better appearance, feel more energetic, and motivated to achieve your goals.
6. Prevent age-related decline
Memory loss is not an inevitable result of aging. But just like your muscle strength, you have to use it or lose it. But physically active people are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Remember what counts is ‘regular exercise’.