How Exercise Can Help Focus & Concentration
We all know that exercise is a vital aspect of maintaining physical and mental health. But did you know that regular physical activity is known to be associated with improved brain function, including better focus, concentration, and memory?
What does the research say?
Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between exercise and mental focus and concentration. The results consistently show that exercise has a positive impact on cognitive function, including attention, memory, and executive function.
One study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that acute exercise improved cognitive function in young adults, including attention and working memory. Another study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that regular exercise was associated with better cognitive function in older adults, including attention, memory, and executive function.
Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine analyzed 29 studies and found that exercise was associated with improved cognitive function, including attention and working memory, in both healthy adults and those with cognitive impairment.
Some studies have also investigated the impact of exercise on specific populations, such as adolescents and seniors. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that exercise improved cognitive function in adolescents, including attention and working memory. Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that regular exercise was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in seniors with mild cognitive impairment.
Exercise For Teenagers
Adolescents are at a critical stage in their life where their bodies and brains are still developing. Exercise is an excellent way to promote healthy brain development in teenagers. Regular exercise can improve their cognitive abilities, including memory, concentration, and attention span.
Physical activity stimulates the production of hormones that promote brain cell growth, which enhances learning and memory. Crucially, exercise helps adolescents manage stress, anxiety, and depression, which can affect their focus and concentration negatively.
Exercise for Adults
For adults, exercise can help manage the demands of a busy life. It can be challenging to focus and concentrate on work or other responsibilities when you are stressed or tired. However, exercise has been shown to reduce stress and increase energy levels, improving concentration and focus.
Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain, which enhances cognitive function.
Exercise for Seniors
As people age, their cognitive abilities decline, and they become more prone to memory loss and cognitive impairment. However, regular exercise can help maintain cognitive function in seniors. Exercise has been shown to improve brain plasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganise itself and form new connections between neurons.
This can help seniors maintain their cognitive abilities and prevent memory loss. Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve brain function.
What is even more exciting, exercise has been found to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, which are common age-related conditions that affect cognitive function. Seniors who exercise regularly have been shown to have a lower risk of developing these conditions compared to those who are sedentary. Exercise can also improve mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, which can negatively impact cognitive function.
How can our accredited exercise physiologists help you support your mental focus and concentration through exercise?
Our accredited exercise physiologists (AEP) are health professional trained in the delivery of exercise programs for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries. They are experts in using exercise as a therapeutic intervention to improve health outcomes. An AEP can help you support your mental focus and concentration through exercise in several ways:
Develop an exercise program tailored to your needs: An AEP can develop an exercise program that is specific to your individual needs, taking into account your fitness level, health status, and personal goals. They can also adjust the program as needed to ensure that you are getting the most benefit from the exercise.
Incorporate exercises that promote cognitive function: An AEP can include exercises in your program that are specifically designed to enhance cognitive function. These exercises may include balance and coordination training, resistance training, and aerobic exercise, all of which have been shown to improve cognitive function.
Provide motivation and support: An AEP can provide ongoing motivation and support to help you stay on track with your exercise program. They can offer encouragement and help you overcome any obstacles that may arise.
Monitor progress and adjust the program as needed: An AEP can monitor your progress and adjust the program as needed to ensure that you are making progress towards your goals. They can also make modifications to the program if you experience any pain or discomfort.
Work with other health professionals: An AEP can work in conjunction with other health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, to ensure that you are receiving comprehensive care for your mental health.
If you would like to work with us and boost that mental strength of yours - get in touch with our team today!