Chiropractic Tip: Exercise to Energize Your Thinking
By Sandy Schroeder
We know exercise is good for the heart, muscles and bones, but scientists now say exercise can help us think better too. If you need a lot of coffee in the morning to clear away the clouds, it may be time to get moving.
Start with a chiropractic boost to improve your thinking and memory skills. The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you helps individuals pull everything together to work, think and feel better every day.
How to Get Started
Talk with your chiropractor to learn how your spinal health can impact everything that you do. The central nervous system that controls all of our brain-to-body communication is housed in the spine. When the spine is working well, we do too.
Your chiropractor may use a gentle targeted spinal adjustment to ease aches and pains, and energize your brain and body. Individuals report clearer thinking, better sleep and more energy.
Often, weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments work to keep the benefits coming. Together, you and your chiropractor can shape an exercise program that fits your life and your goals. Exercise at a moderate level, such as brisk walking, for 150 minutes per week. Start gradually and increase the time by five or 10 minutes each week.
Choose the options that fit.
- Walk 30 minutes every day
- Stretch and strengthen the body
- Bike, hike or run on a regular basis
- Pick a favorite sport for the weekend
- Make yoga or tai chi part of your day
How the Brain Benefits
We often think of exercise benefiting our biceps and triceps, but strengthening the brain is a pretty good thing too.
Regions of the brain expand - Researchers say the parts of the brain that control memory and thinking become larger when people exercise. Regular moderate intensity exercise for six months or more increases the volume of regions involved in thinking and memory.
Lower stress and increase memory - Exercise works to improve sleep and lower tension and anxiety. Walking, running or biking helps to offload the worries of the day and free up the mind.
Make Exercise a Prescription
Harvard doctors recommend making exercise a habit, like taking a prescription medication. Get your doctor's approval and expect the effects to kick in within six months. Then continue the habit for life.
When you are ready to get started, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Affordable personal healthcare plans eliminate the hassle of insurance. Weekend and evening hours simplify visits and walk-in visits are welcome.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.