World Mental Health Day 2024: Keep your brain healthy with best exercises for balance

Best exercises to improve balance: Balance exercises improve blood pressure and heart rate, thus enhancing blood flow to the brain (Image: Canva)

Multitasking has become the norm in the modern world. It is therefore easy to overlook the significance of balance and coordination. Poor balance might can be seen in subtle ways; maybe you feel slightly unsteady when walking, or you’ve noticed your reflexes aren’t as sharp as they used to be.

These signs can be warning bells, indicating that your brain and body may not be functioning optimally, says Dr Vipul Gupta, Group Director of Neuro Intervention at Paras Hospital Gurugram. Stressing on the importance of exercises, he says, “Practicing  balance and coordination activities daily, lends physical stability; it also nurtures your brain health for the long haul.”

Balance and coordination exercises are essential for maintaining cognitive health, says Dr Gupta. Here's why :

• Neuroplasticity: The brain's capacity to rearrange itself through the creation of new neural connections is known as neuroplasticity. Balance exercises improve neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt to new situations. This versatility is critical for learning and memory.

• Cognitive function: Exercises aimed at improving balance and coordination can boost mental health. Activities like yoga or tai chi activate the parts of the brain responsible for motor control and cognitive processing, leading to improvements in memory and decision-making.

• Falls: Maintaining good balance is essential for reducing falls, particularly in older adults. Traumatic brain injuries from falls can have long-term cognitive consequences. Maintaining balance and coordination can lower the risk of falling and protect brain health.

• Blood flow: Balance exercises improve blood pressure and heart rate, thus enhancing blood flow to the brain. The improved circulation provides the brain with oxygen and nutrients vital for cognitive performance and your health.

• Social interaction: Participating in group balance and coordination activities fosters social ties, which is essential for mental health. Social interaction increases brain activity and emotional well-being, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

• Stress: Mindfulness practices through focused exercises can effectively manage tension and anxiety. By reducing stress, you can combat memory problems and fuel cognitive wellness.

• Delay cognitive decline: Regularly including balance and coordination exercises can delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline. Research indicates that those who stay physically active tend to retain better cognitive performance as they age.