Why is it important for the brain to work out along with the body?

In the current age of fitness, we realize how vital it is keep fit and stay healthy. But what we fail at is extending our fitness techniques to our brain as well. The mind needs as much exercise as the body, in fact more to stay sharp at all times. Mental workout is as important as a physical one.

Don't let your mind get bored

Constantly challenge yourself by learning new skills. This way your brain gets the opportunity to be active, and this activity leads to new connections being formed between nerve cells, helping them communicate with one another. Activity helps the brain improve its memory storing and information retrieval capacity.

Physical and mental exercises are inter-linked

Over the years, research has helped to establish the link between physical activity and better mental health. Physical activity increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain, and this helps to promote cell growth there. Exercising at least for 30 minutes, 5 days a week makes one more energetic and alert.

This may be tough to accomplish at the start, so begin simply by raising your physical activity levels. Small changes incorporated into your daily routine can also make up for the 30 minutes of physical activity. These may include things like taking the public transport to work instead of the car, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, watching TV while riding a stationary bike, and taking a quick 10-minute stroll during break time.

Regular physical activity helps one clear the mind

Regular physical activties help to beat stress, and achieve more clarity in their thought processes. Additionally, it lowers the risk of lifestyle diseases and mental and psychological disorders.

Now that there are so many means of getting physical exercise, how does one increase mental stimulation? It’s simple; challenge yourself:

• Learn to play a musical instrument
• Play word games like Scrabble, fun games like Pictionary, or do crossword puzzles
• Play chess- it is all about strategy
• Learn a foreign language
• Take up a new hobby
• Read and read plenty- books, magazines , newspapers, e-papers
• Write down your thoughts

Remember:

• Exercise improves your mood
• Exercise helps manage chronic diseases
• Exercise strengthens the heart and lungs
• Exercise helps in weight management
• Exercise promotes sleep
• Exercise is fun