Do we become smarter by exercising?
It is known that regular exercise causes numerous benefits on physical abilities, health of the cardiovascular system, muscular and skeletal system.
A modern lifestyle and numerous commitments bring us an increasingly dense daily schedule with little time to dedicate to ourselves. Stress levels and the likelihood of developing mental illness such as anxiety and depression are increasing. It is known that regular exercise causes numerous benefits on physical abilities, health of the cardiovascular system, muscular and skeletal system. Protects the body from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, some cancers, etc. Furthermore, we all know that regular exercise also has a beneficial effect on mental health.
EXERCISE HELPS US BECOME MORE RESISTANT TO STRESS
By exercising, the body releases endorphins that affect pain receptors in the brain and elevate mood. After running or training, we feel euphoric, and this feeling will last for some time after running. In people diagnosed with depression, serotonin and dopamine levels are lower. Therefore, aerobic exercise is recommended because it has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and elevate mood. Also, exercise has the effect of raising the feeling of satisfaction.
Exercise increases the level of dopamine and serotonin, and these are the hormones that are responsible for the feeling of satisfaction and a positive image of ourselves. Just 30 minutes of regular exercise every day has a positive effect on the feeling of satisfaction because, in addition to working on mental health, we also need to work on our physical appearance, which is one of the triggers for a better mood. With regular exercise, we become more resistant to stress. Stress is also called the silent killer because its impact on physical and especially mental health is very harmful. Exercise lowers cortisol, a stress hormone. A couple of times a week for twenty minutes of aerobic exercise has a positive effect on reducing cortisol, and thus stress.
With exercise, we can fight even depression and anxiety. It is good to know that by combining aerobic and anaerobic exercise on a daily basis we can alleviate or prevent depression and anxiety because we will enrich the body with dopamine and serotonin.
THE EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON THE BRAIN
However, a relatively new area of research that has occupied scientists in recent decades is the impact of exercise on brain structures and functions. Scientists believe that exercise can reduce the risk of various neurological diseases and protect the brain from the harmful factors of aging and cognitive decline .
The movement begins in the brain. The nerve cells in the brain that are responsible for movement and motor skills send impulses to the nerve brain that further transmit the impulse to the muscles. The process of neurogenesis (development of new neurons), according to some research, produces thousands of new neurons every day. Most new neuronal cells are produced in the hippocampal formation which is very sensitive to physical training and exercise.
THE BRAIN CREATES NEW AND MORE SIGNIFICANT INTERCONNECTIONS
The hippocampus is an area of the brain with a high degree of endogenous neuroplasticity. The neuroplasticity of the brain is its ability to adapt to new experiences or conditions. In doing so, it is modified, adapted, or even morphologically changed as needed and compensates for lost function by creating new neural connections, re-learning and memory. Therefore, the application of exercise, especially aerobic, will be a strong stimulus for hippocampal neuroplasticity and consequent improvement of learning and memory and overall cognitive function.
