Exercise and the Brain: how working out improves work performance

One of the most popular excuses I hear for neglecting exercise is a lack of time due to exams, presentations, or work-related projects. While I wholeheartedly appreciate a dedication to one's studies and a strong work ethic, crossing the sweat sesh off your to-do list is likely to work against you. Truth be told, our brains benefit immensely from exercise.

Studies have shown that regular exercise can increase levels of BDNF (a protein that contributes to the health of our nerve cells), which enhances memory and learning ability. In one such study, Éadaoin Griffin and colleagues tested this theory by observing a group of male college students. In the study, the students were quickly exposed to a series of photos showing the names and faces of strangers. After a break, the test subjects were presented again with the photos and asked to recall their names. 

Following the assessment, half of the students were taken into a room where they hung out for 30 minutes while the other half cycled at high intensity on stationary bikes. Afterward, both groups took part in another round of the face-to-name matching game. The scientists found that those who had engaged in exercise had vastly improved scores whereas the non-exercisers' scores hadn't changed.

Improved cognitive function isn't the only major benefit that exercise has on the noggin. According to Ulrica von Thiele Schwarz and Henna Hasson, getting your heart pumping can increase productivity, which may be due to increased stamina and lessened instances of sickness. Exercise can also reduce anxiety and stress by decreasing the number of stress hormones in our bodies and boosting endorphin production. With this information in mind, the next time you go to hit the books or start up some research, think twice about forgoing your workout!