Physical Activity and its Effects on the Brain
There are many ways, direct and indirect, that the brain could improve your academic performance.
What happens to the brain when we exercise?
When exercising, blood flow to the brain increase and the brain is exposed to more oxygen and nutrients. Exercise also signals the release of beneficial neurons. These proteins keep the brain cells healthy while also promoting the continuous growth. Most importantly, they are also the building blocks of brain. Neuron health is overall important to brain health. Also, the brain tells the body to release dopamine and endorphins, something we call "feel good chemicals". This is what we are feeling during something we call "runner's high".
How can this improve your performance?
The release of dopamine and endorphins play a role in the relief stress and anxiety. Furthermore, being active helps you sleep better at night which in return improves one's creativity and brain function. Regular exercise helps the brain and increases the ability to focus. This way you could more easily understand assignments, critically think and quickly finish difficult mental task. Physical activity can also improve one's long and short term memory. The ability to focus, briskly finish difficult task and be more creative could improve your study results and test scores. Being relieved of stress and anxiety could improve your confidence and resilience. Overall, regular physical activity could successfully improve your academic performance.
