Scientists have proven repeatedly that a sedentary lifestyle is bad for not only physical but also mental health. The consequences of the lack of sufficient movement lead to the development of obesity, diabetes, problems with the heart and blood vessels, osteoporosis.
But apart from being physically fit, a sedentary lifestyle affects mental health. After conducting several studies, scientists have proven that a sedentary lifestyle can cause increased anxiety, provoke sleep, and metabolic disorders. Also, scientists have found that people with a sedentary lifestyle have fewer social connections. They don’t want to socialize with friends, colleagues, or relatives. Lack of communication increases the level of anxiety and worsens their mental state.
People do not pay special attention to the brain, forgetting that their body and brain are two interconnected organs and the disruption of the work of one affects the work of another. The brain cannot function optimally without physical activity. Scientists are convinced that the effect of physical activity on the brain and psyche is greater than they discovered. They continue to study this issue, but today they argue about the necessity of physical activity for mental health.
The effect of physical activity on the brain.
Exercise fills the brain with oxygen.
Physical activity increases muscle function, and your body absorbs more oxygen. During active exercise, your brain forces your body to accelerate blood flow and breathe deeper and more frequently. As a result, all the cells in your body receive more oxygen, including your brain. Oxygen enhances the part of the brain that is responsible for your memory.
Exercise improves your learning ability.
Exercise activates the production of genes that are responsible for the synthesis of proteins that are involved in metabolic processes and increase the synthesis of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for your mood and affects your memory, and ability to perceive information. Thus, exercise will improve your ability to learn and remember new information.
Exercise repairs nerve cells.
Even though most people are sure that it is impossible to restore nerve cells, scientists have proven the opposite. They confirmed that exercise shuts down the neuroplasticity process in your body. Thus, your neurons are regenerated, and your nervous system performance is improved significantly. At the same time, scientists argue that the restoration of neurons through exercise is possible at any age.
Scientists believe that to improve the functioning of your brain and strengthen the nervous system, you just need to exercise 3-4 times a week. At the same time, the intensity of training can be moderate and the duration is only 20-30 minutes.
Scientists continue to figure out what kind of sport improves your psychological state. However, they argue that even an hour of intense walking affects your brain and strengthens your nervous system. If you are unable to use walking as a workout, then you can replace it with any other moderate-intensity aerobic workout. You can dance, use a treadmill, or exercise bike as an aerobic workout. Even doing household chores such as cleaning floors affects your mental and physical health.
Although research continues, you can rest assured that your brain is closely tied to the body, and without optimal exercise, your brain will not be able to function efficiently using its maximum resources.
Lack of exercise produces a lack of oxygen in your body and brain. As a result of this deficiency, the brain does not receive the nutrients it needs to function. Deteriorated brain function leads to decreased learning ability, memory impairment, and increased levels of anxiety. Scientists are confident that a lack of physical activity can be one of the causes of depression.
Regardless of your age, you have a chance to improve your brain function. Add physical activity to your life, and the quality of your life will begin to improve, both physically and mentally.
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