Exercise and Focus
There is no longer any doubt about the mind/body connection. It has been proven time and time again. If you understand that principle, you should have no trouble accepting the fact that exercise and focus are closely connected. In fact, a regular exercise routine will improve your ability to focus.
In a 2007 Newsweek article Mary Carmichael reported that participants in a three-month aerobic exercise program showed improvement in concentration and overall brain functioning. Carmichael also reports that these effects of physical activity may be linked to preventing a range of cognitive and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
Exercises that Help You Focus
There are several physical exercises that will improve your concentration. For example: jumping rope, running, and performing squats can help to give you this quick burst of brain power.
Studies show that you can enjoy as much as three hours of improved focus after a quick exercise routine. Begin your day with exercise and have better focus during the morning hours of work. Or – try a quick routine midday to help you beat the afternoon blahs.
Those types of exercises can be useful for short-term focusing; but, it is also important to think about long-term effectiveness and other causes that can be impacting your ability to concentrate.
Depression can impact an individual’s ability to focus – and you may be experiencing depression without realizing it.
When you establishing a regular routine of exercise – at least three times a week, you are helping your mind and body to fight off depression, which also improves your moods, and increases your ability to focus.
It is best to choose exercises that you enjoy and can commit to doing over a long period of time. It can be walking, dancing, cycling, jogging, rollerblading, playing tennis, or any other activity that helps increase your heart rate a few times a week, which also increases the blood flow to the brain.
In addition, exercising regularly helps relieve stress, another factor responsible for problems with focusing. A regular exercise routine diffuses stress and improves your ability to focus.
Why Exercise Improves Focus
Simple – it increase endorphins in your brain. Endorphins are chemicals that help you feel good and improve your brain’s ability to function at its highest levels.
Exercise also helps clear your mind of the distracting, worrisome thoughts that can prevent you from focusing.
Finally, exercise helps your feel better about yourself, improves self-confidence, and reduces anxiety, which leads to better sleep. The bottom line is when you are well-rested, feel good about yourself, and have the ability to focus throughout the day; you will be much more productive.
Start exercising today – and reap the rewards. You don’t have to spend hours and hours each day for a positive impact on your life and your ability to focus.
Start where you are – do what you can do and increase the program as you are able. You can begin with something as simple as taking a 20-minute walk a few times a week and watch your focus improve.
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