Helps fight depression and anxiety
Regular exercise reduces activity in the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the ‘fight or flight’ response in the brain. It can help regulate this response by increasing activity in the parasympathetic nervous system… including lowering blood pressure, regulating breathing, and slowing heart rate.
Spurs the growth of new brain cells as you age
As we get older, the birth of new brain cells slows, and our brain tissue actually shrinks. Exercise may be able to reverse that trend. One brain-scanning study of healthy but sedentary people aged 60 to 79 showed significant increases in brain volume after six months of aerobic fitness training.
Helps you control your emotions better
The actual ability to control our emotions is a skill of cognitive control. Whenever you reign in an outburst of anger, or continue your day despite feelings of sadness, you are exercising emotional regulation.
Helps you make decision quicker
Since working out can improve so many other aspects of our cognition, it should come as no surprise that it can also boost memory. “Studies show that mild-to-moderate physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or resistance training, can help maintain your cognitive health.
