How Does Physical Exercise Help the Brain?

Tap to Read ➤ Kundan Pandey

Physical activity has been linked to improved physical and mental efficiency. That is why, students are encouraged to participate in sports and other extra curricular activities. Here's some valuable information on the benefits of physical activities on the brain.

Since decades, medical experts have been debating about the connection between physical and mental efficiency. Do physical exercises foster brain functioning? How are physical activities and brain development linked to each other?

These and many similar questions about the benefits of body workout for a healthy mind have triggered tremendous research in the field of neuroscience. Fortunately, results have been remarkable and several studies have proved that physical activeness does play a significant role in the improvement of mental health.

It needn't be stressed that physical exercises improve blood circulation and hence, keep the body healthy. But, how do these activities help in promoting mental growth? According to researches compiled from several sources, some deeper connections between the two aspects have been discussed here.

Active Brain Lies in an Active Body

As per a study conducted on people between the age group of 20 - 60 years, those who have been active in their initial years of life are at a lesser risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than those who have had a sedentary life.

Studies showed that people engaging in mental and physical exercises were healthier in older ages than those engaging in negligible exercises. Hence, it can be said that passive life is unhealthy for the brain.

Improvement in Cognitive Behavior

The closest association between our brain and physical workout has been related to blood circulation. Better blood circulation due to exercising improves blood flow to the brain. In older ages, often poor blood flow due to hypertension or heart problems, has been considered as the cause of decline in cognitive behavior.

Stress Buster

Walking, running, jogging, and other bodily exercises help the mind to fight depression and get rid of negative thoughts. That's why, when we feel low or sad, engaging in some activity takes our blues away and automatically helps us solve the problem.

Some studies have suggested that regular exercising delays the signs and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases that are bound to occur in old age.

Boosts Your Memory and Brain Function

As per various studies, bodily movements have fabulous effect on brain functioning and if you're in search of secrets to increase brain power, then you have to include a mix of physical and mental activities in your daily routine.

For example, people engaged in physical activities have been found to have good memory skills, increased focus, concentration, and analytical skills. Hence, it can be concluded that proper bodily exercises are healthy for the body.

Awakening of the Brain

Just when you are about to wake up and leave the bed, move your toes properly. Stretch and scrunch them. This can be also practiced during working hours, especially for people, who work for hours, sitting in front of the computer. This small looking activity helps the brain to become more active and that too, at a faster rate.

Foot to Brain - All Connected

Gifted with eight arches, our feet help us to evenly distribute our body weight. They consist of one-fourth bones of our total body bones! Added to these, is a complex net of blood vessels and nerves that connect the feet to the rest of the body. Hence, foot movements can have a positive impact on the brain and its development.

Thus, bodily movements and the brain have a great relation that can only be felt, if we inculcate the habit of exercising in our daily routine.