Well-being Canada: Movement

The Connection Between Exercise and Brain Health

What benefits the body also benefits the brain—and vice versa! Here’s what science tells us about this powerful connection:

Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain by stimulating blood vessels throughout the body. This activity appears to slow or even reverse the brain’s physical decline and triggers neurogenesis, the process of creating new brain cells.

Scientists are particularly intrigued by the way exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Often called “fertilizer for your brain,” this protein plays a critical role in maintaining healthy neurons and creating new ones. BDNF also stabilizes mood and enhances well-being.

A 2018 cross-sectional study, involving 1.2 million people, highlighted a significant connection between physical activity and mental health:

• People who exercised had 1.5 fewer days of poor mental health each month compared to those who didn’t.
• Exercising for 45 minutes, three to five times per week, delivered the most benefits.
• Team sports showed the most substantial mental health gains.

Did You Know?

Research shows that physical activity significantly improves brain health, cognition, academic performance, memory, executive function, and overall quality of life. Regular exercise reduces the risk of depression, alleviates short-term anxiety, and enhances sleep quality.