How can physical exercise improve your problem-solving skills?

2 How exercise improves your problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills involve identifying, analyzing, and resolving issues in various situations. To do this, you need to use your cognitive functions such as logic, reasoning, decision-making, and critical thinking. Exercise can boost these functions by enhancing your brain's plasticity, which is its ability to adapt and change in response to new experiences and challenges. Exercise can also improve your executive functions, which are the higher-order skills that enable you to plan, organize, prioritize, and monitor your actions and goals. These skills are essential for solving complex and novel problems.

3 How to exercise for optimal problem-solving benefits

To reap the benefits of exercise for your problem-solving skills, you need to choose the right type, intensity, and duration of physical activity. According to research, aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, is more effective than anaerobic exercise, such as weight lifting or sprinting, for enhancing cognitive functions. Aerobic exercise increases the blood flow and oxygen delivery to your brain, which supports its health and performance. You also need to exercise at a moderate to high intensity, which means that you should feel your heart rate and breathing increase, but not to the point of exhaustion or discomfort. Finally, you need to exercise regularly and consistently, preferably at least three times a week for 30 minutes or more.

4 How to combine exercise with problem-solving tasks

One way to maximize the effects of exercise on your problem-solving skills is to combine it with problem-solving tasks. For example, you can try to solve puzzles, riddles, or brain teasers while you are jogging, biking, or hiking. This can challenge your brain to work harder and faster, and also make your exercise more fun and engaging. Alternatively, you can exercise before or after you face a problem-solving situation, such as a work project, a school assignment, or a personal dilemma. This can help you prepare or recover your mental energy and focus, and also reduce the negative emotions that may interfere with your problem-solving process.

5 How to measure and track your problem-solving progress

Another way to enhance your problem-solving skills through exercise is to measure and track your progress. You can use various tools and methods to assess your problem-solving performance, such as tests, quizzes, games, feedback, or self-reflection. You can also monitor your exercise habits, such as the frequency, intensity, and duration of your physical activity, and how you feel before and after exercising. By doing this, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, set realistic and specific goals, and celebrate your achievements. You can also use your data and insights to adjust your exercise routine and problem-solving strategies as needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?