The early bird catches the worm
What a marvellous saying. One we’ve all heard at some point. It implies that said bird catches the worm because it is the first to arrive for its breakfast before the worms have all been caught. Could it also imply that this particular bird who has flown the nest while others sleep, has been successful in his worm hunt due to the physical act of the hunt itself? Has the brain function of the “early bird” been improved by exercise, making it easier to catch its first meal of the day? Can brain function and our overall functionality be improved by rising early and exercising before work and indeed breakfast? I think so and, I am not alone.
Ben Martynoga is a neuroscientist and science writer. He believes “evidence that staying physically fit keeps your brain healthy into old age is especially compelling. Most concrete is the link between aerobic fitness and cognitive preservation. Workouts needn’t be extreme either: 30-45 minutes of brisk walking, three times a week, can help fend off the mental wear and tear and delay the onset of dementia. It pays to get used to regular exercise early, though. The protective effects are clearest before the cognitive signs of old age kick in.
Nor is it all about your heart and lungs. Exercises to improve balance, coordination and agility made a clear impact on the brain structure and cognitive function of a large group of German elderly people. Twice weekly sessions of weightlifting can have a visible neurological impact. Dancing may also be restorative for ageing brains. Just an hour of dance a week, for six months, did little for elderly participants’ aerobic capacity, but the physical and social stimulation bolstered their cognitive wellbeing.
Researchers are still teasing out the critical factors that make exercise such a potent brain tonic. Prime suspects include increased blood flow to the brain, surges of growth hormones and expansion of the brain’s network of blood vessels. It’s also possible that exercise stimulates the birth of new neurons. Until recently, few believed this could happen in adult human brains”.
To increase the already vast benefits of exercising, do it early! Getting your fix in first thing in the morning will synchronise your heart and brain improving brain function at the same time as cardio respiratory health. You will be able face the stresses of the day with ease and be able retain new information with ease. The mental health and over all mood is improved with early morning exercise. It will also strengthen confidence and problem solving skills. Having your daily work out completed by breakfast time will help to maintain motivation and keep your diet goals on track. If all this isn’t enough, it will also free up your schedule for the rest of your day!
Lets be honest here, there is no bad time to get active and treat your body with respect and care but way not do it when the benefits are multiplied with no extra effort on your part other than rising earlier? Be the early bird. Get out there first. Go hard and get it done. Then, go about your day happier with more confidence and a synchronised well oiled marvellous machine that is YOU!
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