Admit it: most of us don’t like working out or doing any form of exercise. It can be tedious, boring, and a chore. Furthermore, often people who are into fitness are seen as not being that smart, and vice versa. But what if I told you that exercise can do so much more than keep you fit and that your brain benefits the most? Can there really be a benefit of doing 10 pushups or running a kilometre daily?
No more memory pills
Sometimes, we forget the precious things that happen in our lives just because our memory is not as efficient as it could be. However, by engaging in more regular exercise, we could strengthen and improve our memory capacity. Research shows that those who engage in aerobic exercise have a larger hippocampus than those who don’t. The hippocampus is an area of the brain involved in memory, learning and emotions, so by growing it through exercise, you’ll be more than likely to remember the name of the person you just met!
Construction in your brain
Exercise can reverse the damages caused by not using our brains and stress and depression. When we do exercise, neurochemicals are released. These neurochemicals increase branch growth and improve the brain’s overall function as the neurons within our brains connect to each other through these branches.
Inside a CEO’s brain
Not only does exercise make you feel like you’re on top of the world, but you can start to behave like a top-notch boss. When we exercise, we create brain stimulation in the frontal lobe, which is the part of the brain that is responsible for executive function. These executive functions include planning, organising and remembering details. This means that you can become better at planning tasks and organising events. It is definitely a win-win.
Food for thought
Like any part of the body, the brain needs energy. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which in turn uses it for energy. However, unlike the other parts of the body, the brain has a very high metabolic demand, meaning that increased blood flow is not beneficial; it is essential.
Having regular fitness habits can improve your memory, stimulate brain cell repair, increase executive function, and feed your brain. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to receive benefits like these. You can incorporate a daily exercise routine into your busy life in many simple ways. For example, consider walking instead of taking transportation or running with your friends. Our brain does so much for us; let’s start giving something back!
