Exercise. We all know it plays an important role in keeping us healthy on the inside and the outside. It makes us feel good and look good! It helps to prevent cognitive ill-health too. Here are a few ways physical activity can positively impact your brain function and cognitive health:
Improves Blood Flow to Your Brain
Physical activity prompts your heart to pump more blood, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your brain. The improved blood flow nourishes your brain cells and helps them function better.
When your brain gets more oxygen and nutrients, it’s like giving it a boost of energy, which helps it to work better. This boost helps with important things like paying attention, solving problems, and making decisions. So, when you’re active and moving around, you’re actually helping your brain stay in tip-top shape, keeping your mind sharp and focused.
It’s like giving your brain a little workout along with the rest of your body!
Reduces Inflammation
Many illnesses are due to chronic inflammation, and chronic inflammation is linked to cognitive decline. With regular physical activity, you can reduce inflammation not only in the brain but throughout the body.
When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that help reduce inflammation, and when the inflammation decreases, it’s not just your muscles and joints that benefit, your brain does too!
Reducing inflammation in the brain is especially important because chronic inflammation in the brain has been linked to cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer’s.
So, by staying active and moving your body regularly, you’re not just keeping your muscles strong, you’re also helping to protect your brain and keep it healthy for years to come.
Physical Activity Promotes Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is like your brain’s superpower. It’s the ability to change and adapt, forming new connections between nerve cells and growing new brain cells. Regular physical activity is like a ‘super-grow’ boost for this superpower!
When you exercise, your brain releases special chemicals called neurotrophic factors. These chemicals encourage your brain cells to grow and form strong connections with each other. This enhanced neuroplasticity is what allows your brain to learn new things, improve your memory, and help you stay sharp as you age.
So, by staying active and engaged in physical activity, you’re not just keeping your body healthy, you’re also giving your brain the boost it needs to stay strong and resilient.
Releases Neurotransmitters
When you exercise, your brain releases neurotransmitters or chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that enhance your mood, memory, and overall cognitive function. These chemicals are responsible for reducing your stress levels and enhancing your focus. Your brain feels good and your happier mood makes you feel good too!
Stay Physically Active to Prevent Cognitive Decline
It’s easy to take exercise for granted. You might not have the motivation, or you might think it’s just tiring and complicated. But it’s critical for your brain health and overall well-being. So start exercising and don’t procrastinate!
Find Activities You Enjoy
Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. You can choose which activities you enjoy, whether it’s walking, swimming or running, and when you do activities that you find enjoyable, it’s easier to stick to them. Mix them up, too. You can try different types of exercise to keep things interesting and prevent getting bored with them.
You can incorporate a variety of activities, such as cardio, strength training, flexibility exercises, and balance exercises. This will allow you to work different muscle groups and keep your body and mind engaged.
It doesn’t matter how small the activity is either. Begin with small goals, say 10-15 minutes of walking in the morning, and then gradually increase the intensity and duration.
Follow a Schedule
It’s helpful when you treat exercise like any other important appointment and schedule it into your calendar. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activities each week. Just remember that whenever you exercise you are caring for your brain too.
Regular physical activity not only benefits your physical health but also plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being. If you haven’t made a commitment to care for your cognitive health, it’s about time you started by making exercise a priority. Take proactive steps to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and enjoy the positive effects of staying physically active. Your body and brain will remain bright and alert!
