How Exercise Influences Memory And Learning
When we exercise, our heart pumps more blood and more oxygen reaches our brain. In this way, our mind clears and various cognitive functions are favored
You need to find time to do physical exercises. Exercise is not only good for the body, but for mental health as well. In this article we will tell you how physical exercise improves memory capacity and facilitates learning.
The importance of practicing physical exercises
According to a study published by the UAB, physical exercise can help you stay calm in the face of daily stress. Practicing it makes us respond better to the action of the hormone cortisol, which puts us in a better condition to achieve our goals while maintaining health.
In addition, the WHO confirms that regular physical activity helps us maintain an adequate weight. It is, without a doubt, an effective way to reduce the risk of suffering serious conditions, such as the dreaded cerebrovascular diseases.
Contrary to what many people think, staying active does not require a large investment of time or effort. According to the WHO, 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week will be enough to keep us healthy; of course, this has to be complemented with a balanced diet and a good rest.
Relationship between physical exercises and the brain
As detailed in this study by the University of La Rioja, one of the reasons why exercise favors brain health is oxygenation. In other words, the more efficiently the heart pumps blood, the more oxygen reaches the brain.
However, recent studies have shown that the effects of physical exercises also depend on other factors. For example, in the case of athletes, the results are not the same in an adolescent as in an adult. In other words, the earlier an individual begins to exercise, the better the results will be.
The human body is designed to be in motion. Thus, when we move the body, our brain is also activated. In fact, learning and memory evolved as motor functions did as well.
Physical activity improves the ability to learn
Following what is detailed in the ULR study cited previously, we can say that, due to the improvement in brain functions and the hormonal reactions it produces, the regular practice of physical exercises improves alertness, attention and motivation. . All this contributes to the development of cognitive processes in general.
From a neurological point of view, learning thus translates into the stimulus that neurons need to unite with each other. The formation of these new connections or synapses is what allows our brain to incorporate new information. This is what we call “learning.”
On the other hand, scientific research confirms that exercise favors the development of new nerve cells from stem cells in the hippocampus. This is one of the areas of the brain related to memory and learning.
Studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship of regular physical exercise and learning ability in children. The results are conclusive: performing physical exercises improves not only reading ability, but cognitive function in general.
Our brain is therefore flexible. It is an organ that can be shaped in the same way as a muscle when lifting weights. Thus, the more the brain is used, the stronger and more ductile it becomes. You know: practicing physical exercise also helps your cognitive functions to develop.
