What does a little bit of exercise do to your brain?

Have you ever felt refreshed, energised and ready to take on the world after exercising a bit? In addition to being good for the body, the benefits of exercising also include improved brain activity.

Starting with lower resting heart rate, decreased disease risk and improved endurance, physical activity offers huge mental and psychological benefits.

Working out is the closest we’ve come to a wonder drug. Here are some research-backed mental benefits of exercise…

* One vigorous workout can help immediately reduce anxiety and depression symptoms for several hours.

* Exercise releases Endorphins, which improves your mood and makes you feel better.

* Exercise has been proven to improve one’s self esteem.

* Strength training and aerobic exercises protect brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, especially for the elderly.

* Cardio and resistance training is understood to be a good natural treatment to counter burnout in the workplace.

* Exercise increases the chemical noreprinephrine in our brain and it helps us enhance our ability to handle stress.

* Regular exercise helps in improving cognitive performance, memory and brain volume.

So, the next time you’re feeling low or stressed out, drop everything else and go for a jog along the Doha Corniche or walk the lengths and breadths of the ASPIRE Park. Chances are, it’ll be the best decision you made all day.

Get those running shoes ready already!

Courtesy: techinsider.io