We are all aware of the health benefits that regular exercise brings. It is a key aspect to managing your weight as well as your heart, lungs, and other bodily systems. However, what most people are not aware of is the fact that regular fitness can also boost your productivity. In fact, according to research, it can even make you happier, smarter, and more energetic. By maintaining a habit of regular exercise, you can stay mentally sharp throughout your life.
As you start to age, your body starts to generate fewer brain cells due to a process called neurogenesis. But, based on research using mice, exercise has been proven to prevent this slowdown. So, those who reached their 50s, 60s, and 70s and exercised regularly, were able to have more brain cells than those who were sedentary, giving them a greater advantage in areas such as the workplace.
Over a shorter time-frame, one will notice that a regular exercise routine will provide you with more energy throughout the day. As most people know, your cells contain components known as mitochondria which are also referred to as the cell’s “power plant.” They produce the chemical known as ATP which your body uses as energy. When you engage in physical exercise, it stimulates the development of new mitochondria within your cells so that your body can produce more ATP over time. This ultimately gives you more energy to exert physically, but that also means your brain has more energy to boost your mental output.
Now, this does not mean you need to perform an extensive and sweaty workout. Research has proven that whether you do a moderate-intensity exercise or a low-intensity exercise, you will still experience growing levels of energy. That research also suggested that exercise can also help you feel more energized within a few weeks. The effect of your mood is almost immediate. As you exercise, your body is releasing several chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals reduce the discomfort of exercise, creating the sensation known as “runner’s high.”
Now, while it may be difficult to get into a regular routine to exercise, the benefits of doing so are quite compelling. Exercise can make you feel happy, and the happier you are, the more productive you will be. By getting into a habit of exercise, you will remain sharp even in old age and you will have more energy to take on the day while improving your mood.