How exercise helps form a healthy brain
The toll on our mental well being from complying with our “stay at home” orders is real. Over the past few weeks, we have explored ways for you to remain active whether individually or with family during this time of social distancing. We suggested ways to build activity plans or adapt our existing routines to being at home. But how can exercise affect our mind?
Regular physical activity at any level improves our physical health and often results in an improved mental outlook. Let’s look at the mental benefits of regular activity:
Sharper memory and thinking. Think of exercise as a way to keep your brain clean and fresh and allow yourself to think more clearly. Exercise increases the oxygen levels in the blood, improving our brain function (see this study to learn more). Exercise also lowers the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s and improves the quality of life with the disease.
Better sleep. An average adult needs 7-9 hours per night to maintain good mental and physical health. Even small amounts of regular exercise can improve both the quality and the duration of our sleep, reduce our stress and improve our mental outlook.
More energy. You might be thinking that exercise will drain you of energy, but in reality, the opposite is true!
Reduced Pain. Our brains respond to activity by releasing endorphins, reducing our pain perception, improving our mood, and reducing our stress. In addition to the pain relieving qualities, endorphins actually seem to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, and may even reduce symptoms of PTSD naturally!
Reduced depression: Regular exercise can have as much of an effect on lowering our depression as medication (but with better long term effects), and within “just five minutes of moderate exercise, you can experience positive effects” on your emotions.
Use every tool in the toolbox
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to directly affect our brain function, enhance our moods, reduce our pain levels and reduce our stress levels. How much do we need? 150 minutes per week of moderately intense exercise!
You’ve got this! Take the time to make your health a priority.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the many amazing resources that the Move Your Way campaign has to offer! And be sure to follow CoreFit on Facebook so you don’t lose touch. Contact us today to schedule one-on-one time to build a routine that is best for you!
Resources to check out:
The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise Exercise for Mental Health How Your Mental Health Reaps the Benefits of Exercise Which Type of Exercise is Best for the Brain Combatting Depression: Drugs vs. Exercise 5 Mental Benefits of Exercise The Exercise Effect
Hand photo created by jcomp on Freepik