This term at SB our students at SB have really embraced all different kinds of exercise!
Between climbing, walks and the introduction of ‘Get Fit Fridays’ at the gym alongside the FoodWise and Sports ASDAN short courses our students have felt the great positive impact that exercise can have on our bodies and minds.
Most people are aware that exercise is important for our physical health, but exercise also has a great impact on our cognitive abilities and mental health!
Exercise and Mental Health
Exercise can have a massive impact on our mental health.
Exercise has been linked to neurotransmitters called endorphins, also often referred to as “feel-good hormones”. They can boost mood temporarily, and are essential to our brain’s stress response. In addition to that they are natural painkillers!
For those struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression exercise has been shown to have a positive impact, especially if the exercise involved being out in nature such as running or walking!
Exercise and Brain Function
Most people tend to think physical exercise only keeps us physically fit. But exercise can have a whole heap of benefits for our cognitive function, too!
Exercise gets our heart beating faster and blood flowing to boost our muscle recovery and function… but that also means more blood is flowing to our brain!
More blood being pumped around means better delivery of nutrients to the brain and therfore improved cell growth and regeneration, making us more focused.
More recent research even suggest that a healthy amount of exercise affects the size of our hippocampus, a part of the brain heavily involved in memory?
Did You Know?
Exercise has been shown to boost Dopamine and Norepinephrine levels. The same two neurotransmitters targeted by most ADHD medications!
Considering all of this, you can see how exercise can make a big difference to our brains and not just our bodies!
It has been absolutely lovely this term seeing our students embrace the importance of exercise and taking responsibility for their physical and mental well-being!