The Science of Exercise and Brain Health
In a world where relentless competition drives the pursuit of creating tech-first adaptive solutions to minimise human efforts to maximise efficiency, we often neglect our tendency to maintain the human body’s ecosystem where being physically active remains crucial. Maintaining physiologic homeostasis can be achieved through consistent physical activities that result in overall fitness & wellbeing in humans.
Exercise is one of the significant methods to maintain one’s body’s flexibility and remain physically ahead in the course. Research has proved that exercise reduces the risk of many diseases like cardiovascular problems, diabetes, obesity, cancer, etc, while improving overall physical wellbeing. Many studies have also shown that exercise causes significant biochemical changes in human brains. Physical exercise profoundly impacts one’s cognitive abilities with an enhancement in cognitive functions and improvement in overall mental health.
The Science Behind
We are well aware that exercise releases hormones in the body, which are primarily a brain function that circulates physiological phenomena occurring in the stability of the human body. Scientifically speaking, the biochemical molecules, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), result in the proliferation of neurons and induce angiogenesis in the brain. These are the proteins that nurture existing neurons and result in the growth and development of new brain cells. These are caused by the help of regular exercise and intense physical activities that promote vitality in one’s brain and body.
Neuroscience and Fitness
The human brain requires glucose and oxygen for proper functionality; the increment in the capillary beds in the nervous system enhances the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain tissues, facilitating neuroplasticity. Increased neuroplasticity is very crucial for brain development. It induces the development of synaptic connections with neural networks, resulting in functional changes that enhance cognitive abilities like learning, memorising, rational thinking, etc. Cardiovascular exercise and aerobic fitness training are proven workouts to increase brain volumes and white and grey matter in the frontal, parietal and temporal cortexes, amplifying neuronal cell bodies. The process is commonly known as neurogenesis, which primarily occurs in the hippocampus area of the human brain and is fundamental to memory and learning. Not just that, the formation of new cells significantly helps recover a brain injury and produce a counterforce with time so that your brain reacts to the problems associated with ageing gracefully, like Alzheimer’s.
Combating Diseases through Exercise
We understand that physical activity promotes neuroplasticity, effectively increasing the functioning of a healthy brain. With exercise intervention, individuals can effectively reverse the cognitive failures they have been experiencing as a factor of ageing. With the creation of new brain cells due to regular physical activity, many individuals in their late 60s have reversed the effects of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, even after they have been diagnosed with the disease.
Physical activity also reduces the effect of psychiatric conditions found in individuals, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression. Cardiovascular exercises are proven to reduce the risk of such conditions by releasing dopamine, which directly affects an individual’s mood, resulting in further ability to deal with the situation positively. Children with ADHD undergoing moderate cardiovascular exercise practice improve attentional resource allocation. They have reportedly showcased an increase in positive mood scores.
Patients with major depressive and anxiety disorders have reported reduced risk of stress, chronic anxiety and panic attacks through mild aerobic exercises. The release in the levels of certain neurotransmitters with norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine elevates mood and mental alertness and improves focus. It is also essential for managing stress in one’s day-to-day lifestyle. It is advisable for patients diagnosed with acute to chronic mental disorders to indulge in physical activity regularly; it is specifically recommended to practice exercises that increase blood flow by amplifying oxygen supply and nutrients to the brain and maximising brain power.
Exercise Routine to Follow for Mental Fitness
1. Aerobic & Cardio: Incorporate running, swimming, brisk walking and cycling in your routine. These workouts are recommended 3-4 times a week to enhance brain functioning.
2. Strength Training: This training routine is more than just for muscles. Research indicates that weightlifting, strength, and resistance training have improved executive functions like planning, multitasking, leadership, and organisational skills in individuals. It also enhances analytical and critical thinking, further helping you in decision-making situations.
3.?Yoga: Yoga is an age-old practice that improves physical flexibility, fights disease in the body, and enhances mental ability. Practice yoga and other mindfulness activities like deep breathing, which promotes mental clarity with enhanced focus, helps regulate extreme emotions, and enables you to give full attention to the situation by calming the mind and decreasing stress levels.
We know that exercise can promote the regeneration of new brain cells by enhancing brain functioning, combating unhealthy conditions, and promoting the overall wellbeing of the human body. So, it’s time for us to drop the passive mindset with mindfulness activities that help us build focus in reality without entirely depending on the technology that reduces human efforts to survive physiologic homeostasis.
Fitness begins when one initiates movement for the better, and that’s where FITPASS leads you to a healthier and fitter life for the rest of your accomplishments. Get access to holistic fitness with personalised plans that cater to your fitness your way with FITPASS today.
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