Written by Josh Hoodless
People that exercise can be more creative thinkers, improve their management of neuro-behavioural disorders like ADHD and cognitively perform better at work.
Exercise increases the production of mitochondria (the cellular organelles that generate and maintain our energy) in the muscles and the brain.
This could explain our positive mental state after a good workout.
Neuroscience researchers from Leiden University in the Netherlands suggest that creativity is definitely enhanced with people who regularly exercise over those who sloth on the couch.
Regular exercise seems to be associated with improved divergent and convergent thinking, the two components of creative thinking.
In addition to creativity, the researchers state that exercise encourages proper brain function where the nerve cells bind to each other, which in layman’s terms is the basis for learning new stuff.
For kids with neuro-behavioral disorders like Aspergers or ADHD exercise becomes an essential component in order to have a chance at the best development.
In a previous article, I spoke about how sedentary Australians are! Our kids are even less active than before. The data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a rapid rise of mental and behaviour disorders over recent years. Is it a coincidence that we are having more brain problems the lazier we become?
So what should parents do to make sure kids, particularly those with neuro-behavioral disorders like ADHD and Asperger Syndrome, get enough exercise?
I’m not here to tell you how to parent but the science and trends are telling us that you need to get your children off their butts and out exercising. It’s a no brainer (pardon the pun) if you want to give yourself or your children the best chance at improved brain function, cognitive performance and creativity.
So, get moving!
Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.
-JOHN F. KENNEDY