The most valuable pharmaceutical not yet developed!
They say exercise is like taking a magical pill for your brain, and if there were ever a drug that could do for your health everything that exercise can it would likely be the most valuable pharmaceutical ever developed. So why is exercise so good for us?
Have you ever wondered why?
In his book "The Power of Habit”, Charles Duhigg talks about what are known as Keystone habits. These are the habits that if practiced, developed and applied, influence change in every aspect of our lives. Exercising is a keystone habit, which is why anyone looking to develop self-discipline regularly goes to the gym or does some form of exercise. So, we all know the physical benefits of exercise: you look better, you lose weight, you become lean, you gain muscle and generally you become fit. These changes are easily observable by the naked eye. However, the benefits of exercising aren't just skin deep. Let’s peek into it!
1. Need motivation? there you go!
When you start exercising especially for the first time or after a long break, you'll feel more alert and energized. Because ramping up your heart rate means a boost in overall flow and oxygen to the brain. This releases a special brain cell called Dopamine which is responsible for motivation. If you've ever felt tired or lazy and don't feel like doing anything, that's because your experiencing a dopamine deficit. Whenever you exercise you directly increase the amount of dopamine in your blood, and instead of feeling tired and worn out you suddenly feel motivated and energized.
2. Watch Netflix and lose pounds!
Exercise burns fat and calories, in this way: It causes muscle gain. There’s an increase in the muscle cells and mitochondria. Muscle cells need a lot of energy, which means they burn a lot of calories, in fact they burn more calories than fat cells even when you're not exercising. So, the time you spend working out, reaps benefits long after you stop working out. This means you can literally slouch on your couch watching TV or Netflix and still be burning fat.
3. Take care of your heart
Regular exercise increases the size of your heart, and eventually strengthens it. When exercising your heart rate increases and pumps more blood than it normally would. In the process, the muscles in your heart are strengthened, which reduces the chance of getting a heart attack.
4. Increased blood supply to the brain
Some of the physical effects that might not be visible include an increase in blood supply to the brain. The brain thus works more efficiently, and this leads to better focus when doing activities.
5. Development of new brain cells
Exercising promotes the development of new brain cells, which improves learning and memory. Also, during exercise, endorphins are released to counter any stress you might be feeling.
6. You stay happy
Though inaccurate, endorphins are famously known as "feel-good hormones", and so when they are released into your body, your mood is lifted and you get a sense of happiness.
7. Better sleep
Another positive effect of exercising on your brain is that you get better sleep. Restlessness and sleep are usually caused by depression and anxiety. Exercising serves to reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety through the release of endorphins and dopamine, resulting in the symptoms of insomnia being negated. Additionally, when one works out just before going to bed, the temperature drop experienced after exercise could help one fall asleep.
8. Boosts confidence
By making the decision to get healthier and proactively trying to get fit and in shape you become proud and feel great and awesome about yourself, and hence resulting in the confidence boost.
Hope it helps. May the sick get well soon and the healthy stay healthy!
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