Exercise Reshapes the Brain
Usually when we talk about exercise, we think of building our body with muscles, strengthening our heart, and burning calories. Exercise has a more powerful element that includes the mind and mental health.
Increased exercise improves our brains and enhances how we think and interact with others. As soon as we decide to exercise and change to our gym clothing, we will start to release good chemicals in the brain and our stress hormones begin to change for the better. By exercising daily, we will start to reshape moods, cognition, and our overall mental health for the better. Exercise isn’t the cure for mental illness, but is a powerful tool that can help improve the human body.
When we get stressed, our bodies release and elevate the cortisol hormone which causes damage to our bodies. If we exercise, we release endorphins and other brain chemicals that help improve our moods and mental focus. That’s why we feel good physically and mentally after we exercise, we reduce stress and our thoughts begin to improve.
Exercise helps with depression because of the release of neurotransmitters which is closely related to happiness and other symptoms. Although exercise isn’t the cure, it shows great improvement in individuals with depression because they start to see and achieve fitness goals which is a huge accomplishment and a sense of worthiness for an individual with depression.
With exercise, we also improve our memory, attention, and other skills involved in problem solving. When exercising, we increase blood flow to the brain, and deliver oxygen and nutrients that support activity. Older adults that exercise, have a better chance to slow down the process of cognitive decline. Adults in general that exercise have a sharper and higher focus ability.
Many more positive benefits of exercise include, sleep quality, boost self-esteem and confidence, promotes social connection, improves emotional thoughts, protects against age-related mental decline, creates a natural sense of purpose, improves focus and attention, and increases overall life satisfaction.
Exercise is thought of as a physical element, but it is more mentally powerful and has many benefits as listed above. Exercise builds a body and reshapes the brain which in return gives you an enjoyable living experience. Exercise isn’t a drug or prescription, but has a positive impact on your body and mental health. It all begins with a step, stretch, and breath that can add years to your life and well-being.
AS ALWAYS, STAY ACTIVE AND BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL.
Paul Passino has a Bachelors of Science degree in human performance and sport with a health, education, and coaching minor, as well as 45 hours of sports administration and over 23 years of teaching P.E., weight training, and coaching.
