How Exercise Helps You Think Better
Introduction: We all know that exercise is good for our body. But did you know that it is also good for our brain? Many studies have shown that exercise can improve how we think, learn, and remember. In this article, we will explain how exercise affects the brain in different ways.
Blood Flow and Oxygenation: When we exercise, our heart pumps more blood to our body. This means that our brain gets more oxygen and other things that it needs to work well. Oxygen helps the brain change and grow new connections between brain cells.
Neurotransmitter Release: Exercise also makes the brain release chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals affect how we feel and how we think. Some of them, like dopamine and serotonin, make us happy and motivated. They also help us focus and solve problems.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Another chemical that exercise increases in the brain is BDNF. This protein helps brain cells grow, live, and work better. BDNF helps us learn new things, remember old things, and think faster.
Reducing Stress and Cortisol Levels: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. Stress can make us feel bad and think worse. Stress also makes the brain produce more cortisol, a hormone that can harm the brain. Exercise helps lower cortisol levels and protect the brain from stress.
Structural Changes in the Brain: Using special machines, scientists have seen that exercise changes the shape and size of some parts of the brain. These parts are important for memory and thinking skills. These changes make the brain work better, especially as we get older.
Protective Effects Against Cognitive Decline: Exercise can also help prevent the brain from getting worse over time. Some people lose their memory and thinking skills as they age. Some people even get diseases like Alzheimer’s that damage the brain. Exercise can lower the risk of these problems and keep the brain healthy for longer.
Good sleep is also necessary for good physical and mental health and a healthy quality of life.
Disclaimer : The information provided in this article, is intended for general informational purposes only. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used as a basis for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.