6 Types of Exercise That Can Help Maintain Brain Health

Illustration of types of sports that can help maintain brain health (Freepik/marymarkevich)

YOGYAKARTA - Maintaining brain health is not enough just by playing puzzles or filling in brain teasers on your phone. Physical activity turns out to have a big influence on someone's memory, focus, and thinking ability. In fact, various studies show that exercise for brain health can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline as people get older. The good news is, you don't have to immediately turn into a runner.

The relationship between exercise and brain health is increasingly discussed in the medical world. When the body is actively moving, the blood flow to the brain increases so that the brain gets more oxygen and nutrients. Physical activity also helps stimulate the growth of brain cells and keep nerve connections working well. Therefore, regular movement not only makes the body feel fresher, but also helps the mind stay sharp.

1. Walking helps maintain memory

Walking is a simple exercise that has great benefits for brain health. Citing research reported by AARP, Tuesday, May 19, shows that walking regularly can help maintain memory function and learning ability. This activity also helps increase blood flow to the brain without putting excessive pressure on the body. You just need to walk leisurely for 30 to 40 minutes a few times a week to start feeling the benefits.

Illustration of types of sports that can help maintain brain health (Freepik/gpoinstudio)2. Jogging helps increase focus

Jogging or light running can help improve concentration and focus. When the body moves more actively, the heart pumps blood more smoothly so that the supply of oxygen to the brain also increases. This condition helps the brain work more optimally in processing information and keeping the mood stable. No wonder many people feel their minds are "lighter" after running, like a browser tab that is finally closed one by one.

3. Cycling is good for cognitive function

Cycling is a good aerobic exercise for brain health. This activity helps maintain the health of blood vessels which play an important role in cognitive function. In addition, cycling can also help reduce stress which often affects concentration and memory. You can choose to go cycling in the morning or just use a bike for daily activities to keep your body active.

4. Swimming helps the brain stay active

Swimming not only trains the body's muscles, but also helps maintain brain health. The body's movements while swimming involve coordination that makes the brain work more actively. In addition, swimming is also known to help the body relax more so that it is good for mental health and concentration. The sensation of being in the water sometimes feels like a natural "refresh" button for the body and mind at once.

5. Strength training helps the brain work more efficiently

Strength training such as light weight lifting, squats, or resistance bands is also beneficial for brain health. Research has found that this type of exercise can help improve thinking skills and executive brain function. The effect is related to increased neural activity and blood flow during exercise. You don't have to lift super heavy weights like the characters in action movies, because regular light exercise also has benefits.

6. Group sports help the brain stay active

Group sports such as gymnastics, badminton, futsal, or yoga together have additional benefits for brain health. In addition to the body actively moving, the brain also works when interacting, communicating, and coordinating with others. Social activities like this are known to help maintain cognitive function and reduce stress. So, group exercise can be a fun way to keep the body fit while keeping the brain active.

Maintaining brain health can actually start with simple habits, including regular exercise. Various types of exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, to group exercise can help keep memory, focus, and cognitive function optimal. The key is not the heaviest or most expensive exercise, but how you can do it consistently. So, if you want your brain health to be maintained, maybe it's time for the sports shoes to come out of the "permanent loan" mode.