The brain does not store its own fuel, nor does it produce its own fuel. The brain relies on the body to get its needed fuel—oxygen and glucose—to the brain. The healthier and more physically fit the body is, the more efficiently the brain functions. This is because exercise physically changes the brain at a molecular level by growing new brain cells. This process is called neurogenesis.
According to the latest research, exercise and movement lead to the following changes, to name but a few:
- Improved brain functio
- Enhanced cognition
- Improved memory
- Reduced stress
- Balanced mood and behaviour
- Improved attention, motivation, self-esteem, cooperation & impulse control
- Improved social skills and behaviour
- Improved problem-solving skills
Physical activity is clearly a high-yield investment for all of us. Even more so for our children and those with attentive or hyperactive symptoms. Just imagine giving your child a 'spoon-full-of-exercise' every day. This will lead him to naturally concentrate better, have better impulse control and experience less stress. No wonder John Ratey, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard, suggests that people should think of exercise as medication for ADHD.
Healthy, active kids also make better learners. In 2009, the Cooper Institute performed the Texas Youth Fitness Study where they compared their Fitness Gram ™ scores to the scores from a standardized test called TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills). The researchers found significant links between physical fitness and signs of academic achievement:
- Higher levels of fitness are associated with better academic performance.
- Higher levels of fitness are associated with better school attendance.
- Higher levels of fitness are associated with fewer negative incidents at school.
Happy moving moments!!
You might want to read more about what a sensory diet is.
