By Judi Sheppard Missett
Exercise may be as healthy for your mind as for your body. Whether you're in need of creative inspiration or interested in improving your concentration and memory, regular physical exercise can help.
Physical activity affects our body, mind and spirit in ways that boost brainpower. For example, physiological changes in our bodies induced by exercise, such as increases in metabolism, cardiac activity and oxygen flow to the brain, appear to heighten our creativity and memory.
A 1997 study at Middlesex University in England found that participants scored higher on a creativity test after engaging in 25 minutes of aerobic exercise than they did after watching an "emotionally neutral" video. Likewise, a University of Illinois study found that inactive individuals increased their memory and ability to multi-task by more than 15 percent after participating in a walking program.
The emotional benefits of physical exercise, specifically its ability to reduce stress, anxiety and mild depression, affects our mental faculties, as well. "Often we see memory problems resolve when depression or anxiety is properly treated," says Norman Abeles, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Michigan State University. Regular exercise is often part of that treatment.
Finally, for many people, exercise paves the way to mental relaxation. It helps us to clear our minds, which allows creative thoughts to flow more freely. Got a problem to solve? Go work out for 45 minutes!
Of course, mental exercise is also helpful. Using your brain to learn a new language, solve crossword puzzles, master a new hobby or engage in a friendly debate stimulates blood flow and strengthens the connections (synapses) between nerve cells in the brain. A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that memorization techniques also encourage the brain to work more efficiently and may reduce age-related memory loss. One example is creating images in your mind to help you remember a street name or person's name. "It's easier to recall a picture than a name," states Gary Small, M.D., director of the Memory Clinic at the University of California at Los Angeles.
If you are experiencing forgetfulness, don't panic. Experts assure us that some mind lapses are inevitable as we age, but if they begin disrupting your daily life, check with your doctor. In addition to exercise, the problem may be solved with simple adjustments to your diet, sleep habits or medication.
Studies from Switzerland, Hawaii and Boston support the memory and cognitive benefits of a diet rich in antioxidants (vitamins C, E and beta-carotene) and B vitamins. Likewise, inadequate sleep can hinder concentration, memory and motor skills. Finally, if you're taking medications, review them with your doctor. Some combinations can affect memory, and changing your dosage or switching to a different drug may eliminate the problem.
Judi Sheppard Missett is CEO of Jazzercise, Inc., an international dance fitness program.
© 2003, Judi Sheppard Missett. Distributed by the Tribune Media Services International.
