Do you want to keep your brain healthy as you age? We all know that physical activity is good for your body, did you know it’s also good for your mind?
Benefits Of Daily Cardio Activity
- Improved Mood
- Increased Brain Function
- More Blood Flow to Brain
- Reduce Risk of Cognitive Decline With Age
- Reduced Strain On Your Heart
- Better Sleep
- Reduced Stress
- Reduces Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke and More
- Increased Lung Capacity
- Weight Loss and Fat Burning
Morning Cardio Can Improve Cognitive Function Like Decision Making Skills
That’s right, based on a recent 2019 study that was done on Australian seniors [1], they found that physical activity early in the morning resulted in a boost to cognitive function. Meaning, if you take a brisk walk or other moderately intense exercises, you can boost your brain power and decision making skills throughout the day.
So if you want to be more productive during the day, try doing a bit of cardiovascular activity early in the morning to get your day started. Not only will you be more productive because you’re thinking clearly but you’ll also feel energized and good throughout the day.
Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of walking or moderately intense exercise every day
Don’t Be Lazy, Get Up And Move
The results of the study show a boost in mental power in comparison to sitting for long periods of time in the morning. Maybe you can’t dedicate 30 to 60 minutes of your morning to exercise but you can take some breaks throughout the morning to walk for 10 or 15 minutes. Doing this a few times throughout the day can result in a similar boost to mental power and decision making skills.
Take walking breaks whenever you can throughout the day, the more active you are, the better
Physical Fitness Can Reduce Chances of Developing Dementia
While we’re on the topic of mental power, dementia is a common mental disorder that develops in the older population. Being physically fit can heavily reduce the chances of developing this debilitating disease. A 2018 study that took place over 44 years showed over an 80% reduction in the chance of developing the disease among physically fit women [2].
Strength Training For Mental Health
Don’t limit yourself to only cardio. If you’re able, lift some weights as well for added benefits
Lifting weights is also an important part of improving mental health as well. Strength training has been shown to reduce stress which is good for lowering cortisol levels as well as improving heart health [3]. Lifting weights can also boost your mood, improve depression symptoms as well as a boost in self-confidence.
More Cardio Ideas
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Park at the end of the parking lot wherever you go.
- Take a brisk walk on your lunch or your break at work.
- Feel the urge to watch TV? Take a walk, ride your bike or some other activity.
- Get an audiobook to listen to during your walks, make this the only time that you listen to them so that you’ll be motivated to go for a walk. I really enjoy Audible for this, easy to find and purchase audiobooks, plus you can get some for free just for signing up.
Don’t feel like you HAVE to do all of your cardio at once. Being active for even just 5 minutes at different points during your day where you would normally be sitting down can be greatly beneficial. Not only physically but mentally as well.
So If you feel like you need a brain boost, go take a walk, ride a bike or whatever cardiovascular activity that you enjoy doing.
