What Exactly Happens to your Brain During Exercise? It’s Fascinating – and Here’s How to Maximize It!
Of course you know that it’s really important to keep moving – it’s great for your body. But what happens to your brain during exercise? And does it affect your mental health as well as your body?
You know that you need to move – or else fall victim to what is often called the sitting disease or sedentary disease.
If the majority of your day is spent sitting, you can develop heart disease, stroke, chronic illness, weight gain and your overall health will suffer.
As you age, your quality of life will suffer.
So it’s clear that it pays to keep moving.
But interestingly, the benefits are not just for your body. Exercise improves your mental health too, with some fascinating benefits for you.
What Actually Happens In Your Brain During Exercise?
When you exercise, your heart pressure rises. This sends a signal to your brain that your body is under “stress”. And 3 great things happen.
First, your body releases a protein into your body to protect it. It’s called “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF) – and it’s wonderful stuff!
It’s like a “reset switch” – it repairs memory neurons. And that’s why your thoughts seem so crystal clear after exercising. If you are worried about something, or you want to try to solve a problem, go for a walk or a run in the fresh air – it’s the absolute best thing to do!
Second – you’ve probably also heard of endorphins (or “runner’s high”). They’re designed to limit discomfort when you exercise and also create a sense of euphoria. They are wonderful (and totally natural) anti-depressants.
Thirdly, your brain reduces the level of stress hormones in your body, which is really helpful.
And finally, a study conducted in Stockholm showed that running improves your memory and learning.
It’s Addictive!
Exercising, especially outside in the fresh air, really works together with Nature to make you feel happy.
It’s why some people are addicted to exercise – but it’s a lovely “addiction”.
Longer-term, you’ll be happier and more productive throughout the day if you exercise regularly (and even happier if you exercise early in the morning, according to several studies).
And all those lovely natural body chemicals not only make you feel happy, but also nourish your brain so that your brain cells develop and grow.
What’s not to love?
Click the picture below to find out how to be happier by looking younger, and then continue this post below to find out how to get the most out of all these lovely brain improvements …
How To Maximize The Benefits
20 Minutes If you’ve read this far, you might think that athletes are the happiest people on Earth. But in fact you don’t have to be a superb athlete to gain these benefits.
Just 20 minutes of exercise gives you that peak level of productivity, positive mood, and improves learning and memory.
The key is to turn it into a habit.
Combine It If you want to really maximise the benefits of exercise on your mood, your stress and your brain, there’s another thing you can do.
Choose exercise that works different parts of your brain.
For example, ballroom dancing requires rhythm, strategy, coordination and concentration.
More of your brain is stimulated by a complex activity like ballroom dancing, than by walking or running.
Adding Exercise To Your Life It’s proven to be best to exercise first thing in the morning. It helps to spike brain activity, prepares you for stresses you may incur during your day, helps you to learn and remember better and equips you to cope with complex situations that may arise.
Start-off easy – even just 5-10 minutes a day – and gradually increase the length and intensity of your workout.
Mix it up to make sure you don’t get bored.
Walk, go to different places, run, or go to a group or class at the gym. Go alone or with others. A fitness buddy will make sure you exercise even when you don’t feel like it at first. (My husband and I go for a short walk most mornings. If one of us doesn’t feel like going, the other will make sure that we go, and we both feel better afterwards).
You can also use apps on your smartphone that can show you workouts for all experience levels, and even guide you through the exercises. Smartwatches can keep track of your steps, and you can share your progress with friends.
Constantly note how much you improve – it’s very rewarding!
Final Thoughts
Exercise is truly up there as the best way to improve your mental and physical health in the short and long-term.
The long-term benefits of exercising regularly are immense – reduced risk of disease, improved mental health, stronger body/muscles, reduced stress, improved digestion, improved blood circulation, and much more.
Even just going on a 20-minute daily walk is so much better for you than staying sedentary. Find a training partner, set a schedule, do whatever you have to do to get those endorphins and BDNF proteins pumping as often as you can – and enjoy!
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Warm regards,
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