OR swimming it is not only an enjoyable summer activity, but also a great exercise for the brain. While scientists have only recently begun to discover the benefits of swimming compared to other aerobic activities, the results are encouraging. You don’t have to swim like a pro to benefit. Even short, moderate-intensity workouts can provide significant benefits. Here are three main ways swimming helps improve your brain.

1. Strengthens memory

Swimming has been shown to boost memory and cognitive abilities, even if you only swim for 20 minutes a day. Studies show that this activity improves attention span, as well as short-term and long-term memory. Swimming appears to positively affect brain areas associated with memory, reducing inflammation and preventing cell death. In addition, it may help slow down the natural effects of aging on the brain.

2. Improves mood

Swimming activates large muscle groups and raises your heart rate, which helps improve blood circulation. This process, known as angiogenesis, creates new blood vessels and enhances the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good pain relievers. That feeling of pleasure that follows after exercise is a result of this increase in endorphins, thus improving your mood.

3. Enhances learning skills

Swimming promotes the creation of new neural connections and neural growth, which facilitates the learning and storage of new information. This improvement in neuronal plasticity contributes to greater memory accuracy and the learning process. The cognitive benefits of swimming are significant, particularly in relation to memory and the ability to store information.

Aerobic exercise and the brain: The ultimate combination

Aerobic exercises, such as swimming, are different from anaerobic exercises, such as HIIT or bodybuilding. While anaerobic exercises focus on short, intense bouts of exercise, aerobic exercises involve moderate intensity for longer periods of time. This form of exercise helps improve the cardiorespiratory system, meet the oxygen needs of the muscles, and contributes to the production of new neurons and the repair of damage to existing ones.

Brain benefits include enhancing neural plasticity and improving cognitive functions, especially memory and learning. In addition, recent research has shown that aerobic exercise has significant positive effects on mental health as well.

So “embrace” swimming this summer and take advantage of its multiple benefits for your brain and body.