Need an intellectual boost? Then go for a run!

It’s no secret for avid runners: clocking in the miles can swing you between feelings of pain and sheer joy. Now, science is revealing just why lacing up your shoes and going running boosts your mood, sharpens your focus, and improves your intellect.

A new meta-analysis has shown substantially better academic performance among physically active college students. Not just small improvements, but a massive effect size of 3.0! For context, in science, an effect size of 0.8 would be considered “large.” Improvements were found in cognitive function, memory, mental health, and overall academic performance.

Neuroscientists are confirming what many runners instinctively know—that a good run can reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. Our emotional well-being has a very physical impact on our bodies. Stress alone can manifest in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including IBS, psoriasis, and heart disease. Therefore, it makes sense that the connection works in reverse too.

At the end of 2020, a systematic review was published on the effects of physical exercise on neuroplasticity and brain function. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to form and reorganise synaptic connections, especially in response to learning, experience, or following injury.

It was found that exercise enhanced neuroplasticity by increasing neurotrophic factors—biomolecules that support the growth, survival, and differentiation of both developing and mature neurons. Exercise also induced cell growth and proliferation, leading to improved brain functionality.

Studies show that a quick 30-minute run can heighten cognitive processing by improving critical flicker fusion (CFF) threshold, a visual discrimination task designed to assess cortical neural arousal, where higher values are associated with increased information processing and improved cognitive function.

Intermittent sprints have been proven to strengthen executive function, vital for focusing, multitasking, and problem-solving, with noticeable benefits appearing after just 10 minutes.

New research highlights how running can effectively neutralise biological stress pathways. Brain imaging studies reveal that serious runners exhibit enhanced activity in areas linked to executive functions and working memory, further underscoring the mental edge gained from regular runs.

The good news is any exercise will be beneficial, not just running. Studies published so far show that the energy challenge caused by physical exercise can affect the central nervous system by improving cellular bioenergetics, stimulating the processes responsible for the removal of damaged cellular debris and molecules, and attenuating inflammation in the processes.

Regular physical activity brings another important benefit: increased stress robustness. The evidence from animal studies is that a sedentary lifestyle is associated with stress vulnerability, whereas a physically active lifestyle is associated with stress resilience.

So whether you prefer a swim, bike ride, or boogieing the night away, you can boost your intellect, improve your memory, and destress your soul!

For more insights on how exercise can boost your mind and body, visit EyeOnLondon. Have your own tips or experiences to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!