Did you know that playing racket sports like table tennis can help you live longer? It’s true! And the reason behind this has to do with a specific part of our brain that plays a crucial role in both physical coordination and mental processing speed.
This part of the brain is called the cerebellum, located in the back bottom part of the brain. Although it only makes up about 10% of the brain’s volume, the cerebellum contains over half of the brain’s neurons, making it a critical component of our cognitive and physical abilities.
One of the cerebellum’s primary functions is coordination – our physical movements and thoughts. When we play a rocket sport like table tennis, we’re working out our bodies and brains. The fast reflexes required for the game are excellent aerobic exercises. At the same time, the strategy involved in playing at a high level engages our frontal lobes, which are responsible for decision-making and planning.
But not just our frontal lobes benefit from playing these types of games. The parietal lobes in the top back of our brain are also activated during rocket sports. These lobes are responsible for processing spatial information, such as determining where a ball is in space and where it’s headed – an essential skill for playing sports like table tennis.
What’s particularly interesting about these games is how they work out our entire brain. Unlike other activities that might only engage one portion of our brain, playing a rocket sport engages multiple regions simultaneously. It’s like a full-body workout for your mind!
As someone who works in mental health, I often recommend rocket sports to my patients to improve brain function. I encourage them to go out and find a coach to help them get good at the game. It is a fun and social activity and can help rehabilitate the brain and improve cognitive function over time.
So, the next time you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to exercise both your body and your mind, consider picking up a paddle and playing a round of table tennis. Your brain (and your lifespan) will thank you for it!
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Source Description
Dr. Daniel Amen shares why certain racket sports can rehabilitate your brain. Some of his favorites are ping pong, tennis, & badminton. Which are your favorite? 🏓 🎾 🏸
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