While the positive impact of sport on your body is well-known, what are its effects on the health of your brain?
The brain.
The brain is the main organ of your nervous system. It is divided into two hemispheres: the right and the left. These two parts control all mental functions such as voluntary movements, thoughts, learning abilities and memory. Each hemisphere is composed of four lobes with very specific functions: – the frontal lobe: it controls your movements, your language, your consciousness as well as problem solving and planning. – the parietal lobe: it is responsible for cognitive functions related to language (writing, reading and speaking) as well as the calculation and processing of sensory information. – the occipital lobe: this part of the brain manages your visual system. It is this part that allows you to recognize shapes, colors and other visual signs. – the temporal lobe: this lobe is responsible for understanding language (the meaning of words) and memory, more visual for the right hemisphere and verbal for the left.
How is exercise good for your brain?
Physical activity has protective effects on the brain, and can even be therapeutic against certain mental illnesses.
1. Exercise lowers your stress levels.
Exercise can lower your stress levels. But how can a tiring and literally stressful activity achieve this? It all has to do with your body's production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced from cholesterol. It's more commonly known as the stress hormone. Furthermore, over the long term, cortisol reduces neurons in memory areas. However, physical activity lowers the level of cortisol in your blood, thus also reducing your psychological stress levels.
2. Sport promotes your well-being.
Several neurotransmitters play a role in feelings of well-being. First, dopamine. This neurotransmitter directly influences your behavior. During physical activity, dopamine production increases. This is why "moving makes you want to move even more" and therefore to surpass yourself. Other neurotransmitters act in this way: tryptophan and serotonin. Tryptophan is released in the brain and is used to produce serotonin, which plays an important role in processing your emotions and acts against depression. Medicine even uses these elements in certain antidepressant medications that aim to increase serotonin levels in the brain. When you engage in physical activity, the level of tryptophan released in your brain increases, and serotonin levels naturally follow, causing a feeling of mental well-being.
3. Exercise improves your blood flow.
When you exercise, your blood flow increases, which improves oxygenation of neurons and allows for a good supply of energy to your brain. This phenomenon helps strengthen your cognitive performance, particularly your learning and concentration abilities.
In summary.
Exercising has many benefits for your brain. It literally helps you relax and feel better. So what are you waiting for?
