Research has shown that exercise improves the brain’s functions. So it’s not just good for your body, it helps you with your work and your life in general. (I am sure you already knew that, right?)
This time we are looking at some of the various ways that exercise can improve how your brain operates.
Physiological basis for exercise
The US National Institute for Health states that exercise “stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and induces an integrated response from the body. This response works to maintain an appropriate level of homeostasis (meaning the balance among body systems) for the increased demand in physical, metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular efforts.” Exercise tends to increase blood flow and can prompt growth in cell reproduction, including in the brain.
After exercising the body and when giving it a chance to rest, we tend to become more relaxed. During this relaxation time you might experience slower breathing and a less active brain. In other words, the brain gets a chance to rest as well.
Slower breathing benefits the brain
Some exercise actually reduces the heart rate and breathing rate, e.g., tai chi, slow swimming and gentle yoga. Slower, deeper breathing can enhance your brain function by increasing the amount of oxygen in the brain, reducing stress and improving how we remember newly learned information and skills. (There are too many references supporting this for me to mention just one or two.)
So it is pretty important for us to make some time for regular exercise in our daily routines. I have started swimming laps with slower and regular breathing in a local shaded pool soon after I wake up (typical for an Australian like me). For super busy people, please keep in mind that you can do some physical exercises and slower breathing even at work, during short breaks. In the end you will likely be more productive as well as fitter and less stressed. Good luck convincing your boss about this!