Of course we all know that physical exercise is valuable to our heart, lungs and musculature but did you also know that it’s very important to the brain? Researchers have discovered that when you exercise and raise your heart rate the body burns carbs for fuel. The brain uses some of that fuel to build neurotransmitters which are the chemicals that relay messages throughout the nervous system. This reaction is critical for whole mind and body health.
Exercise also increases the frequency of brain waves which can have an impact on things like depression. Exercise supports the hippocampus in the brain which is the center for memory. Exercise increases brain gray-matter volume in regions associated with general intelligence and executive function, which encompasses everything from attention to planning to problem-solving skills.
If you are someone that has not incorporated exercise into your life in the past and don’t know where to even start try Googling “exercise for someone (your age) who hasn’t exercised”. A list of exercise routines will pop up on your screen. Try them out. Better yet, invite a friend over to join you. It’s more fun, you are more accountable and you get to have coffee after and have a visit. If you want to check out a gym, great but be sure to ask a trainer to show you how to use the equipment before jumping in. If you just simply can’t bring yourself to doing any of the above then maybe take up a hobby that involves movement….bird watching perhaps. You get outside, get to see and learn some interesting things AND you just might make a friend.
Just keep moving. It’s an important way to keep your mind and body healthy to increase your quality of life in retirement.
Tags: brain health
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