Day 11: Leave worries in the locker room
I'll be honest, I'm not sure I agree fully with this one. The msn article cites a study that basically says when you try to do physical and intellectual tasks simultaneously, you end up doing neither very well. I cannot seem to locate the actual study that is cited, but I found a similar one that says the same thing.. that mental demands negatively affected muscle activity.
Okay, so basically don't try to solve the world's problems whilst doing split jerks. Got it.
I won't argue with the research and I get the point. But I don't necessarily think that it's a bad idea to work out your issues while exercising. In fact, when I'm exercising, at least while running, I find I am able to work through mental road blocks that have been harassing me for days on end. Or if I'm upset about something, the physical nature of the activity helps me off-load some aggression. The endorphins that are naturally released during exercise help lift my mood. By the time I'm done, my mind is clearer and I feel more content. Maybe it's just me, but I doubt it.
I also would like to point out other studies have shown that exercise can improve cognitive function, like this one that shows physical activity improved math scores (but not spelling or reading, which I find interesting), and this one that shows physical activity can help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
I guess the point is don't attempt both at once. Now if only I could learn how to turn off my mind, then I think I'd be in business.
No comments:
Post a Comment