Stress is one thing everyone has in their daily lives. This can range from catastrophic events or just routine things like deadlines at work, kids schoolwork, your refrigerator broke, a friend or relative is going through something and you can’t help. There are many different types of stress, where our bodies and our minds need help.
Studies have proven many times physical activity is beneficial in all of these areas, by helping to boost and stabilize your mood, and provide a healthy heart. You already knew that right? Still not enough to get you moving? You’re tired, I get that. But, did you know it actually has protective elements in your brain? Exercise has actually been shown to make changes to your brains cognitive abilities providing protective benefits throughout your lifespan. That’s a very long time, it’s like an insurance policy for your future self?
Say you’re too busy to leave your desk, or you’re just too tired to exercise. Stress in fact clouds your judgement, studies show even a brief run/walk will enhance your ability to find solutions to complex problems as well as allow you to manage your time more wisely.
In MORE EXCITING news exercise actually increases neuron activity, or neurogenesis, in the recall and movement portions of the brain. This is exciting because it is shown to have a reduction on the development of Alzheimer’s Disease by 45% (Hamer and Chida 2009), and will help you maintain balance, stability, or do those highly coordinated tasks like performing burpees or participating in that Zumba Class!
Now what’s your excuse not to get that heart rate up? There are none, only more wins here than we ever thought! Your future self says THANK YOU!
