Physical fitness and your child’s brainpower: What’s the link?

Physical activity is a great way of keeping children entertained and occupied. Not just that, it has some long-term benefits for your child’s cognitive development. Experts and medical professionals say that children should be encouraged to take part in physical activities during adolescence to help improve endurance, mobility, and alertness thereby, improving their brainpower. Here is how physical activities boost your child’s cerebral capacity. 

Improves hippocampal memory 
The hippocampus is a tiny organ in the brain important in spatial memory and navigation. It forms, organizes, stores, and converts short-term memory into long-term memory. Aerobic fitness, in particular, is beneficial for improved microcirculation and blood flow in the hippocampus. It is also known to increase cell multiplication and survival important for learning and memory. Additionally, participation in physical activity is highly associated with the regulation of the brain’s metabolic demands. 

Boosts problem solving and creativity  
Action and cognition go hand-in-hand to promote goal-directed behaviour and adaptive skills. Research says that physically active children comprehend and respond to given tasks faster and more efficiently. A proactive child can handle multiple tasks at hand with a competitive spirit. Even walking can improve a child’s reading comprehension skills by increasing the oxygen flow of brain. Being a part of physical training can help your child to socialize, think differently, thereby, facilitating their creative instincts. 

Enhanced ability to improvise and follow plans 
Children who exercise daily are less prone to experiencing anxiety and tension. Physical activity boosts self-esteem, enthusiasm, and generates a sense of optimism in kids, reveals a growing body of research. It helps children to engage in multiple activities and follow  planning and organisational skills.  

Nourishes brain cells 
Physical exercise releases a plethora of hormones necessary for the development of brain cells. Exercise stimulates brain plasticity, enhancing connections between brain cells for better cognitive abilities and new neuronal connections. All these go a long way in improving concentration, focus, and mental agility. 

Encourage your kids to stay active 
Physical activities of kids have taken a toll during the lockdown. Here are ways to motivate them to move more: 

• Encourage your children to learn new sports. Make sure they get the correct equipment, resources, and training 
• Include exercise in their schedule. However, the workouts need to be age-appropriate.  
• Take part in physical activities with your children to motive them