How-Physical-Activity-Improves-Your-Brain-Power

Sure, exercising regularly will give you a trim and sculpted body, but did you know that physical activity is strongly associated with brain power as well? Just like your body, the brain also needs exercise to stay fit and healthy. If physical activity isn’t a part of your daily routine, this article will motivate you to change that. 

Exercise keeps the brain young

sophie_exercise.jpgAccording to the study published in the Journal Neurology, regular physical activity can keep your brain ten years younger. Dr. Clinton Wright and team of researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine discovered that seniors who got intense or, even, moderate exercise retained more of their mental skills over the next five years compared to participants who got little to no exercise at all. In fact, individuals who weren’t overly active showed an extra ten years of brain aging. The study included 900 participants with the mean age of 71. 

Reasons that could explain these findings are numerous. For instance, researchers assume it is because physical activity can help manage vascular risk factors such as cholesterol levels, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Why is this important? It’s because there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that some risk factors for stroke and heart disease also contribute to the onset of dementia. 

Exercise boosts memory 

Scientists at the University of Texas conducted a study to inspect the relationship between brain health and physical or mental exercise. For the purpose of the research, 36 sedentary adults aged between 56 and 75 were randomized into either a physical training group or cognitive training group. 

Findings, published in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, showed that individuals assigned to the physical training group displayed increases in immediate and delayed memory performance that weren’t present in the cognitive training group. Participants in the physical training group showed higher cerebral flow in the bilateral hippocampi, an area responsible for memory function. This particular area is vulnerable to dementia and aging. 

Acta Psychologica published results of the study which confirmed that aerobic exercise performed for periods up to 60 minutes promoted specific aspects of information processing and memory functions. With that being said, the researchers also discovered that grueling workouts that often lead to dehydration induce the opposite effect and decrease information processing and memory functions. 

If you have ever wondered how to improve memory and make it sharper and healthier, then exercise should be the priority. Physical activity encourages the brain to work at optimum capacity by stimulating nerve cells to multiply thus making their interconnections stronger and protecting them from the damage. Other things you can do to boost your memory include: 

Choose a healthy diet

Get enough sleep 

Avoid multitasking 

Select mind-engaging activities 

Socialize 

Exercise improves academic prowess 

sophie_physical_activity.jpgPhysical activity has a tremendous potential to boost young people’s brain power and academic prowess according to a study conducted by scientists at the University of Exeter. Findings from this study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, revealed the following: 

Physical activity is beneficial for young people’s brain function, development, and intellect 

Exercise also develops important life skills, boosts motivation, improves self-esteem, confidence, and well-being 

Even a single workout session of moderate intensity can boost brain function and improve academic prowess 

A study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management discovered that regular cardio exercise improves mood and thereby work performance in participants. In fact, participants reported that they were more productive on days when they exercised comparing to days they did not. 

Boosting brain power

Now that you know the importance of physical activity for brain power, here are other things you can do to ensure optimal brain health and functionality: 

Do something new 

Try doing routines differently e.g. use non-dominant hand to brush your teeth, take a new route to work

Think positive 

Read a book

Get enough sleep

Eat brain-healthy foods 

Meditate, practice yoga

Get organized

Maintain healthy relationships with people in your life

Stay hydrated

Conclusion

Clearly different ways of exercise influence the brain and its functionality. Due to this and many other health benefits, exercising should be a standard part of your routine. Additionally, there are many other things one can do to ensure optimal brain health such as mind-engaging activities, even travel or meditating. Taking dietary supplements formulated to improve brain functions is yet another way to boost brain power. 

Products such as Addium are created to sharpen the memory by a greater percent and improve productivity in a completely natural manner. After witnessing all the perks you can get with exercise, now all you have to do is to decide what gym to join or come up with your jogging route. 

References:

1. http://www.healthable.org/mental-exercises-to-improve-your-memory/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12595152

Also watch video on: 4 Simple Exercises to Amp Up Your Brain

Author Bio: 

Sophie Addison is a popular blogger and skincare expert. She is very passionate about writing about skincare and beauty. She has posted articles about arthritis, weight loss and fitness news. Apart from work she likes gardening and listening to the music. You can also contact her on Facebook, and Pinterest.