Happier, Healthier, and Sweatier: Exercise Improves Emotional and Cognitive Functioning
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Exercise has long been known to improve physical functioning, longevity, and general well being. Many studies over the past 10 years have also found evidence that consistent exercise, most frequently cardiovascular exercise, positively impacts your ability to regulate your emotions and improves cognitive functioning.
A recent article in Time Magazine provided a review of specific findings related to the impact exercise has upon both cognitive and emotional functioning. The review provided evidence indicating:
- Exercise increases memory and learning.
- Exercise improves short-term retention of new vocabulary.
- Exercise improves cognitive flexibility, i.e., one's ability to shift mental tasks and think creatively.
- Exercise improves emotion regulation. Studies have found both a decrease in depressive symptoms when an individual begins to exercise and 1.5 times higher rates of depression in sedentary individuals.
- Lower levels of stress, sadness, and anger have been found in individuals who consistently exercise.
To learn more read The Single Most Proven Way to Get Smarter and Happier at Time Magazine.