Everyone knows that exercise is good for your muscles and weight. But a routine workout also helps your brain to work better. From managing stress to processing emotions, exercise oils the wheels that turn in our heads when we attempt to think or feel.
Not sure how it works? If you're feeling tired or stressed right now, stand up and stretch. Then (if no one is around) briskly raise your arms to meet above your head five times very quickly; it's like doing a jumping jack without the jump. Now, feel better? You've just pumped more oxygen-rich blood through out system to benefit all body organs, including your brain.
Here are some other ways that exercise can boost your brain power:
1. It provides energy. As indicated above, physical movement generates a domino effect in the brain to stimulate brain-wave activity. When you're tired, worn out, fatigued, or sleepy, try exercise to relax and rejuvenate your mind. You'll be surprised how a workout can wake up your brain and get it going again on whatever task you're struggling with. That's why experts advise against exercising within two hours of bedtime, since physical activity will stimulate the brain and prevent the natural relaxation tendency that leads to sleep.
2. It decreases stress. When you want to either cry or scream, take a walk instead. Movement helps to release stress hormones that have built up in your body and threaten to overflow in an emotional display. If you can't walk, write in your journal. Or sing in the shower, as many folks do. Any kind of physical activity will allow stress buildup to escape, like venting a steam cooker, to release potentially dangerous emissions.
3. It eliminates depression. On the other end of the emotional spectrum is sadness, which like stress, can overrun your life if not held in check. When you feel like holing up somewhere and having a crying jag, have a swim instead. You'll benefit from the release of seratonin, a well-being hormone that surges through your system during moderate exercise. Even a change of scenery brought about by exercise can elevate your mood.
4. It sparks creativity. When you're bored, mentally drained, or just not able to focus on the task at hand, a few minutes of physical movement can fire up the creative juices to get you back on track. Take a short walk, play basketball with the kids, or dance to a favorite CD in the living room. Within minutes you may encounter a range of new thoughts or ideas that await further exploration.
5. It controls anger. Feeling ready to explode or hit someone? It's time for a workout! Head for the weight room or the swimming pool for several minutes of vigorous activity. Punch a pillow or throw darts at a target to get rid of negative emotions through the venting of physical pressure. Simply leaving a tense environment can make you feel better, especially when accompanied by a workout that can expel pent-up irritations through rapid breathing and quick movements.
Whatever your mental state, unless it's euphoric an exercise session can probably help you feel better. Check with your doctor to find out any limits you need to be aware of. Then get busy moving to become a better thinker!
