How does exercise help brain function

  • Exercise greatly benefits physical health, but did you know that it also helps brain function? Participating in regular physical activity can improve your mental health, reduce risk of cognitive decline and make you feel generally happier and healthier.

    What happens to the brain when you exercise?

    The brain releases neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) when you exercise, such as dopamine and endorphins which are also known as feel-good or happy hormones. Blood circulation is improved and production of molecules important to brain function increases.

    These biological effects contribute to an improvement in cognition, mood and may create a positive feedback loop. For example, you exercise and it makes you feel good, which makes you want to exercise again, and in doing so you feel good again, and so on.

    How does exercise help the brain?

    Exercise helps the brain by:  

    Improving memory and focus

    Exercising increases blood flow around the body and that includes to the brain and certain regions in the brain that are associated with memory, like the hippocampus. The improved circulation of blood brings oxygen and nutrients that get your brain working more efficiently and leads to significant improvements in memory, focus, spatial navigation, reaction time and general cognition.

    Reducing risk of cognitive decline

    Regular exercise can help reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline and brain associated diseases such as dementia. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise in particular is linked to a reduced risk of cognitive impairments.

    Lowering stress and anxiety

    The levels of a chemical that help to moderate the brain’s response to stress, norepinephrine, are increased in the body when you exercise, which in turn lowers stress and anxiety, but simply pushing yourself to take part in a physical activity can help take your mind off other worries. Doing yoga or Pilates could leave you feeling more relaxed and decrease your muscle tension to calm down anxiety and lower stress.

    Boosting mood

    Dopamine and endorphins, the happy hormones, which are released during exercise should give you a mood boost, which is a gratifying short-term effect of physical activity. The term ‘runner’s high’ comes from the buzz you feel after you’re done going for a jog or doing some form of aerobic exercise. Regular exercise can keep you feeling mentally healthy and happy in the long term as well as increasing your self-esteem.

    Exercises to boost your brain power  

    Moving your body really is a great way to keep you mentally healthy and in shape, but what exercises are best for improving and maintaining a good brain function? Here are some ideas for you to get started:

    Aerobic exercises

    Cardiovascular activities such as running, swimming and cycling are great for increasing your heart rate, getting the blood pumping and sending the much-needed oxygen to your brain. This can range from low to high intensity to fit your preferred exercise method and is a great way to stay fit and healthy, physically and mentally.

    Exercising outdoors

    From paddleboarding on the waters to a brisk walk on the beach, exercising in nature may even be more beneficial for cognitive function than simply going to gym (although both are worthwhile). Being in an engaging and beautiful environment, which is especially true for Dorset, can keep you coming back for more and maintaining a regular exercise regime.

    Yoga and Pilates

    These calming exercises are great if you’re feeling particularly stressed or anxious. Keeping your mind refreshed and relaxed can leave your brain feeling well-rested and ready to tackle the day.

    Whatever you prefer!  

    At the end of the day, getting your body moving and doing some form of regular exercise will be beneficial to the brain. Some exercises may have more of an impact than others, but the goal is to enjoy whatever activity you’re doing so you continue doing it! Choose something fun and reap the rewards with improved memory, less stress and a happy mood.

    Want to get more active?  

    LiveWell Dorset has an incredible team of advisors to support you in your journey to a happier, healthier life. You can register now to receive free advice and coaching or contact us here for more information.

    Further Reading

Georgina

"In January 2019, I was five stone heavier. Now, with the weight loss, parkrun and netball, my anxiety has improved tenfold."

View full story

How does this work?

The tailored approach LiveWell Dorset uses to come up with solutions to the things that are stopping us achieving our goals, is based upon work done by University College London developing the COM-B model of behaviour change. In this model, all behaviour is influenced by understanding a person’s capability to change, their opportunity to change and their motivation to change. By understanding which of these is the biggest barrier to change, we can tailor support accordingly. This model of behaviour change is at the centre of the support we offer, online and in person.

Your Favourites?

or register, to favourite activities that you want to try.

Welcome!

Is this the first time that you've used our services, or have you already registered with us? To allow us to best serve you, please confirm whether you're new to LiveWell Dorset, or if you've spoken to us before and may have an existing account.

Welcome back, it's good to hear from you again!

To speak to one of our dedicated team and get the help you require please request a call back. All call backs from this service are free of charge to both landlines and mobile.

Request a Call Back

Do you provide your consent to share your information with the LiveWell Dorset team – part of Public Health Dorset ?

When you register with LiveWell Dorset, we ask you some questions about you and your health (how much you smoke, how active you are, how much you drink and how much you weigh). We store that information and use it to shape our service offer to you – such as the advice we give or the extra services we connect you to. The only people who will see this information will be those involved in the delivery of the service and management of the data. If you would like to use extra services (such as slimming clubs and pharmacies) we have to share this information with them. For us to be able to put you in touch with these services, we must have your consent to share that information with the service (we’ll ask for that later, when if you sign up for extra services).

Before we can sign you up any further, we need to know:

  • You're happy for your personal information to be shared with LiveWell Dorset.
  • You understand what information may be shared and why, and that at times, our contact to you may be supported by technology partners, who have the same data protection standards and safeguards as we do
  • You acknowledge that you can withdraw your consent at any time by informing LiveWell Dorset.
  • You understand that if you do not give consent or withdraw consent then it could be difficult for us to connect you some of the services we offer.

If you require any more information to help you make your choice then please contact the LiveWell Dorset team on 0800 840 1628. All telephone conversations at LiveWell Dorset are recorded for quality and training purposes, and stored whilst you are registered as active within the service.

Yes I consent

Sorry we can't continue at the moment

Unfortunately we need your permission to store your personal information to help us to assess the best support we could provide or signpost you to. If at any stage you change your mind and are happy to provide your personal information please come back and visit us again.