Exercise not only for your body but for your brain, too

Working out does much more than simply shaping your body. It shapes your brain as well. Recent research shows that it has numerous positive effects on brain activity. The study found that exercise stimulates neurogenesis (the development of nervous tissue), increases resistance to brain insult and improves learning and mental performance.

Image Courtesy: Saad Faruque

Researchers looked at how the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF changed from regular exercise. BDNF is a protein that supports the survival and growth of many neuronal subtypes. It’s active in the hippocampus, cortex and basal forebrain, the areas vital to learning and memory.

The study tested how brain activity of rats changed after performing voluntary wheel-running exercise. It’s voluntary because it doesn’t interrupt how much the rats run. They could stop whenever they want; therefore, their stress levels wouldn’t increase.

They found that levels of BDNF increased in the hippocampus improving the rats’ memory and learning skills.

Besides improved resistance to brain insult, it also found that exercise activated molecular and cellular cascades that support and maintain brain plasticity — the brain’s ability to change throughout life. The research concluded: “Exercise recruits use-dependent plasticity mechanisms that prepare the brain to encode meaningful information from the environment and, at the same time, activates mechanisms that protect the brain from damage. By inducing BDNF and other molecules, exercise strengthens neuronal structure and facilitates synaptic transmission, thus, priming activated cells for encoding.”

Earlier this week, a friend of mine called me while I was at the gym. I don’t usually pick up the phone during a workout, but she’s an important one. She was surprised how I could find the motivation to go to the gym even after such a long day I had that day — I was having final assessments this week. I told her that spending 60 to 90 minutes at the gym makes me feel amazing inside out. Not to mention, how much better I can think when I exhaust my body physically.

This study proved what I felt was true. It explained why my brain can function much better after exercising. I can think clearer, make better decisions and find solutions to a problem faster. After a long day in school many think about exercise as the last think they want to do and they would just rather Netflix and chill to switch off. That doesn’t work me.

I need all those endorphins — the happy hormones — that are released during exercise to manage stress. According the Stress Management Society “regular exercise can be a powerful stress-buster.” I cannot agree more.

We often hear that stress damages our body and nervous system, and if it isn’t managed properly, can cause serious problems such as heart problems, high blood pressure and even diabetes.

The society said there are three reasons why those who work out can overcome stress easier. It all leads back to biology.

First, it helps you keep your nervous system in check with happy hormones that regulate the neurological system.

Second, it activates your body, mind and soul and forces them all to work together, which makes your body function more efficiently.

And third, it said, “Exercising strenuously produces cortisol.” I know, you’re probably wondering how producing cortisol, the hormone your body releases upon stress, changes anything? The answer is simple. By secreting cortisol during physical activity, your body learns to manage cortisol levels better and lower them to normal faster.

So, next time after a long day, don’t reach for the remote control, but reach for your trainers and hit the gym. You’ll feel much better and refreshed after even a 30- to 45-minute workout.

#health #exercise #brain