Till today, we have come across many positive effects of exercise on our bodies. We know how regular physical activity does wonders to our health, how it can help to maintain a good weight. But the new thing is that very fewer people know about the impact of it on the mind. Research is being done to identify which exercise can develop intelligence. Professor Charles Hillman, director of Northeastern University’s Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, served on the advisory committee that produced a report showing that several executive cognitive functions are positively influenced by regular physical activity. 150 and 300 minutes of moderately intense exercise per week improves our ability to ignore distractions, stay focused, and multitask. Besides, it helps to plan and schedule actions.
Exercising regularly helps us to sleep well. Similarly, it is also linked with the duration of sleep. A fit body and calm mind can reduce the time taken to fall asleep. The brain functions more efficiently by performing different types of exercises. Decades ago it was not known by everyone about the benefits of exercise, physically and mentally. The technology was not that advanced and people around the world had fewer connections with each other. Recent research has shown how exercise alters physical structures in the brain and the functions of those structures. There was a positive correlation between exercise and better brain function in children aged 6 to 13. “We couldn’t know this because the imaging capabilities weren’t there until more recently…”, explained Hillman, who holds joint appointments in the College of Science and the Bouvé College of Health Sciences of Northeastern University.
People diagnosed with clinical depression have seen better results after performing more physical activities. Improved cognitive function from exercise helps to control Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and dementia. In conclusion, it is to be noted that we should not depend only upon doctors to prescribe medicines for our ailments. We should be responsible enough to add exercise regularly to our daily routine and live a healthy and disease-free life.
Sarthak Sinha