Does Exercise alter the Brain?

Did you know exercise is a great thing for your brain? It has short and long term effects on your brain. The short-term effect of a single workout includes a boost in your mood, because of the increase of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. Also, a single workout can have the ability to help you shift and focus your attention and reaction time for up to two hours. There are long-lasting effects which include the following. The hippocampus creates new brain cells during exercise increasing its volume and improving your memory. Another long-term effect is improved attention function which deals with your prefrontal cortex. Connecting to the short-term effect of mood improvement, regular exercise can cause a long-lasting increase in these neurotransmitters. Exercising regularly can protect your brain, not prevent, neurodegenerative diseases and decline of cognitive function. These diseases that exercise can protect you from include Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It will make it take longer for these diseases to have an effect on you and your life.

If you are interested in talking to a professional reach out to us at 6819 167^th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois, online at https://www.olivebranchcounselingassociates.com/ or by phone by calling (708) 633- 8000. Olive Branch offers therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We would be happy to hear from and see you!

Hope Meegan

At the Front Desk