Brain Health and Mental Capacity Depend on Physical Activity

"Physically active children perform better in school, achieving better academic outcomes than less active children. Active kids also typically have better mental health, with improved self-esteem, social confidence, and emotional regulation, and lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Sedentary adults who start exercising show improvements in attention, memory, and thinking skills, in addition to improved mood and mental health conditions such as depression."

"We are familiar with the idea that our bodies adapt to functional demands. When we are new to running, we are initially unable to meet our muscles' increased oxygen demand. However, with continued training, new blood vessels develop to supply more oxygen-laden red blood cells, and we breathe more easily. Muscles and bones would grow stronger, the lungs would become more efficient, and many other metabolic and energy management adaptations would occur."

Physical activity improves physical health, mental health, and cognitive abilities throughout life. Active children achieve better academic outcomes and show improved self-esteem, social confidence, emotional regulation, and lower stress, anxiety, and depression. Sedentary adults who begin exercising gain improvements in attention, memory, thinking skills, mood, and reductions in depression. Lifelong physical activity associates with greater physical and mental well-being, reduced neurodegenerative conditions, and preserved cognitive sharpness. Exercise induces systemic adaptations—such as increased vascularization, stronger muscles and bones, and more efficient lungs—and peripheral tissues release chemical factors and metabolites that directly target the brain.

Read at Psychology Today