Everyone knows that breaking a sweat on a regular basis is good for the heart and waistline, but exercise also has advantages to offer the brain.
Periodically getting a good workout has been shown to improve reaction time, information processing, memory, and attention, as well as helps relieve the symptoms of depression.
Exactly how exercising results in these benefits is (like much of neuroscience) still to be determined, but it is likely that there are multiple factors at work.
This is some of what may be at play:Brain Growth
Until relatively recently, it was thought impossible to produce new neurons as an adult. We now know this to be false. Not only is the brain capable of creating new neurons (a process called neurogenesis), but there is also significant evidence indicating that regular exercise stimulates this regeneration.
More Juice
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers of your brain and, unfortunately, the number we produce tends to decline with age. Fortunately, activities such as running, biking, swimming and soccer seem to be able to increase their production (especially that of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine). This can have positive effects on both thinking and mood.
Another type of beneficial brain “juice” which appears to be stimulated by getting a sweat on is neutrophic factors. These proteins are responsible for helping neurons survive, adapt and grow—all important functions for learning and memory.
Better Flow
Efficient blood circulation is vital to cellular waste removal, as well the delivery of nutrients, glucose (fuel) and oxygen. In addition to increasing overall blood flow, exercise has been linked to the production of new blood vessels in the brain.
Get Kinetic
Regular cardiovascular activity provides these benefits most effectively, with 3-5 times a week being a good frequency. Bringing a friend along with you on your bike ride, walk, or swim is not only motivational, but has the added benefit of being socially stimulating.
