What Effect Does Exercise Have on The Nervous System?
You may know that exercise is good for your body, but what about your nervous system? We're all familiar with the benefits of a good workout: increased energy, better sleep, and even weight loss. But what exactly is happening inside our bodies when we exercise?
To answer that question, we need to take a closer look at what the nervous system is and what it does. The nervous system is responsible for sending and receiving messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It coordinates all of the activities needed for survival, including respiration, digestion, and movement.
So what do all of those activities have to do with exercise? Keep reading to find out.
The Nervous System and Its Components
The nervous system is a complex network of cells and tissues that carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It includes the brain, spinal cord, and a vast array of nerves that carry messages to and from all parts of the body.
The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is made up of all the other nerves in the body.
The CNS controls voluntary activities, such as walking and talking, and involuntary activities, such as digestion and heartbeat. The PNS carries sensory information, such as heat, cold, pain, and touch, to the CNS. It also carries messages from the CNS to muscles, causing them to contract or relax.
How Does Exercise Affect the Nervous System?
When you exercise, your body releases neurotransmitters and endorphins. These chemicals travel to your brain and have a direct effect on your mood. In other words, exercise can actually make you happy.
Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter that block pain signals from your brain. This is why after a long run, you might not feel the pain in your feet anymore. Exercise also releases norepinephrine and epinephrine. Norepinephrine is responsible for increasing heart rate and blood pressure, while epinephrine is responsible for the "fight or flight" response.
All of these chemicals work together to create what's known as the "runner's high." This is a feeling of euphoria that some people experience after exercise. It's one of the reasons why people love to exercise, and it's one of the benefits of exercise that keeps people coming back for more.
Does Exercise Have Any Mental Health Benefits?
The answer is a resounding yes—exercise has been found to have a positive effect on your mental health. Regular physical activity can help to reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and negative moods. Exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps to improve the functioning of nerve cells and provide better communication between the neurons in your brain. This can help you to think more clearly and positively, which can provide an overall boost to your mental health.
In addition, physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, providing it with more energy and oxygen, which are essential for brain function. Exercise also releases endorphins, hormones that make you feel good—which is why we sometimes refer to it as a “natural antidepressant”! Finally, exercise can act as a form of relaxation, allowing you to clear your mind and focus on the present moment, rather than worrying about the future or ruminating over the past.
What Types of Exercises Are Best for the Nervous System
Besides helping you stay fit and healthy, exercise can also have positive effects on your nervous system. But the question is, what types of exercise are best for your nervous system?
Well, aerobic exercises such as running and cycling can help improve your respiratory and heart rate, which in turn can help reduce stress and anxiety. Other types of exercises that can help relax the nervous system include yoga, tai chi, and pilates. These gentle forms of exercises can help to relax tight muscles, improve flexibility and increase balance.
Strength training is also beneficial to the nervous system because it helps build muscle mass and strength which in turn supports healthy posture. This keeps your nerves free from pressure or damage due to the wrong posture. Lastly, stretching helps keep muscles loose so they don't put too much pressure on the spine or other nerves.
When it comes to the nervous system and exercise, it seems that the more you do, the more benefits you reap. Exercise has been linked with reducing anxiety and stress, improving cognitive function and memory, and even helping to prevent and treat depression. Therefore, if you're looking for a way to boost your nervous system and overall health, consider starting an exercise routine.
Regular exercises will certainly boost the functionality of your nervous system over time; however, if you intend to acquire these benefits sooner, then you’re highly recommended to follow an ideal diet plan. Clean Eatz Kitchen brings you a huge variety of diet plans with the right consistency of nutrients that’ll keep your body energized throughout every workout session.
Summary Of What Affect Does Exercise Have on The Nervous System
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The nervous system acts as a means for your brain to communicate with the rest of your body
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Exercise releases neurotransmitters and endorphins that have a direct effect on your nervous system
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Regular exercise releases chemicals that can reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental disorders
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Different types of exercises have varying effects on your nervous system
