Exercise is not only
good for your physical health, but it's also good for your brain health.
Studies have shown that exercise can improve cognitive function, memory, and
mood. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.
How Exercise Changes the Brain
Exercise changes the brain in a number of ways. It increases the production of
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps to keep brain
cells healthy and promotes the growth of new brain cells. Exercise also
increases the blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve cognitive
function.
Benefits of Exercise for Brain Health
·
Improved cognitive function: Exercise can improve cognitive function, including memory,
attention, and processing speed.
·
Reduced risk of dementia: Exercise
can help to reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
·
Improved mood: Exercise
can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
·
Reduced stress: Exercise
can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
·
Better sleep: Exercise
can help to improve sleep quality.
Types of Exercise for Brain Health
The best type of exercise for brain health is aerobic exercise, such as
running, swimming, or biking. Aerobic exercise increases the blood flow to the
brain and helps to improve cognitive function. Other types of exercise, such as
strength training and yoga, can also be beneficial for brain health.
How Much Exercise Do You Need for Brain Health?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get
at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of
vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can also do a combination of
moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. For example, you could do 30 minutes
of vigorous-intensity activity twice a week and 30 minutes of
moderate-intensity activity on most other days.
Tips for Getting Started with Exercise
If you're not used to exercising, start slowly and gradually increase the
amount of time you spend exercising each week. You can also break up your
exercise into shorter periods of time throughout the day. For example, you
could take a 10-minute walk three times a day.
Exercise is a great
way to improve your physical and mental health. If you're not already
exercising, I encourage you to start today. Even a small amount of exercise can
make a big difference.
