The Benefits of Exercise for Your Brain

Boost Your Mental Fitness

There are about 86 billion neurons in your brain that send orders to the rest of your body with the help of neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are regulator of many body processes, from sleep cycle to memory and appetite. Studies have shown that exercise helps to elevate the levels of two neurotransmitters in particular, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), therefore helping to prevent mood disorders such as depression. It also helps to build resilience and capacity to respond to mental challenges.

 

Relieves Stress for Good

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When you are stressed, your brain secretes cortisol, also know as the “fight or flight” stress hormone. High cortisol levels can cause health problems such as heart diseases, high blood pressure and more. Exercise exposes your body to something called “controlled stress” which helps to sharpen your brain’s stress response.

 

Age with Grace

Exercise helps to increase your cognitive reserve. Therefore, your brain is capable of handling the deterioration that comes with age without taking its toll on your memory. According to a study, older adults who exercise have larger brain volumes than those who do not. Those who are active also have a larger hippocampus, the brain system associated with memory and learning.