Written By
Aditya Shukla, Cognition Today
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Exercise helps the hippocampus grow. It is the learning and memory center of the brain.
Regular exercise decreases negative emotions by reducing activity in the amygdala, which is our emotion center.
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Muscle-building activities trigger the release of brain derived neurotrophic factor - a protein that protects neurons and helps in neurogenesis.
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The brain processes ideas in the background with new perspectives and connections during exercise, which generally gives creative insights.
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Studies show people remember what they learn better a few hours after exercise.
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Exercise slows the rate at which the brain ages by increasing brain reserve and reducing stress.
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Even short bursts of exercise reduces reaction times for decisions, observation, physical movement, and avoiding injury. Exercise = fast brain.
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Summary How exercise improves the brain: 1. Hippocampus grows 2. Reduces negative emotions 3. Signals BDNF 4. Increases creativity 5. Improves recall 6. Slows aging 7. Reaction time reduces