Exercise and the Brain

The following information is taken from The Brain-Compatible Classroom: Using What We Know About Learning to Improve Teaching written by Laura Erlauer and published by Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development copyright 2003.

Lack of physical activity affects the brain's ability to learn to its highest potential.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, high-protein foods (fish, lean meats, and nuts) are healthy for the brain.

Although the brain only accounts for one-seventieth of the body's weight, it consumes one-fifth of the body's oxygen.

Simply standing up increases the blood flow in the body, thereby increasing oxygen which increases the oxygen level in the brain.  The increased oxygen levels  give the brain more energy and reduces stress.

Neuroscientists have found that the cerebellum, which is involved in most learning, operates at high capacity during times of movement.

Studies have shown that students who increase their physical activity scored higher on tests, have an increased reaction time, creativity and short-term memory; have more dendrite connections between brain cells, have faster recall.