The fit brain: Neuroscience of fitness. Brain series article #3

Continuing the brain series after a long pause from my 2nd article of these series published on November 11th, 2021. After the global pandemic, individuals have taken the necessary actions to improvise their health and look after maintaining fitness. In today’s article, I will talk about how exercise plays a vital role in brain development and maintaining people’s health.

A key discovery made by Neuroscientists recently was the relationship between exercise and creation of new brain cells. The brain consists of millions of neurons, that are made by a process known as ‘neurogenesis’. This process occurs primarily in the hippocampus region of the brain. This region is important not only in neurogenesis, but also because it takes care of our memories, attention, helps us learn new things, enhances brain plasticity, improves cognitive functions, and also regulates mood by increasing a number of neurotransmitters.

Regular physical activity triggers the release of a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which nurtures existing neurons and encourages the growth and development of new neurons and synapses, thereby improving brain health. Let’s get to know the various arenas of relationship between exercise and brain health. 

How various physical activities help signal the brain to maintain overall health:

Better sleep quality: Regular physical activity enhances sleep quality, that eventually aids in supporting memory and detoxifying the brain.

Stress reduction, antidepressant and anti-anxiety therapy: Endorphins and Norepinephrine are two important neurochemicals that are released when the brain is active due to exercise. These neurochemicals play a role in stress reduction, mental alertness, and boost self-confidence, happiness of active individuals.

Aerobics and increased brain volume: According to research, aerobic workouts such as running, dancing, swimming, etc. can increase the size of the hippocampus, improves spatial memory, cognitive function, and preserves vital brain matter.

Improvise mental health: A good workout of as less as 30 mins releases feel-good hormones (neurochemicals) like endorphins that enhance the sense of your well-being. You must have noticed that when you feel low, your interest from anything vanishes temporarily. This is because the brain is wired in a way that when it does not get enough amount of activity to process, such as release neurochemicals, it becomes somewhat inactive, leading to that low and depressed state of mind. This is exactly when doing a physical activity can help in allowing our brain to release the happy hormones to regulate our mood. With enhanced sense of well-being, self-confidence, and mood, mental health is eventually improvized.

Now that you know the relationship between exercise and brain, I hope you take exercising as importantly as you take other life tasks. Good luck !

- Rachna Jadhav

@theresilientresearcher