A recent analysis of published evidence in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, indicates that short stints of moderately intense exercise seem to boost self control in preadolescent children (6–12 years of age), adolescents (13–17 years of age) and young adults (18–35 years of age).  Researchers explained short bursts of exercise may boost the cerebral blood flow to the pre-frontal areas of the brain, responsible for higher (executive) functions.

They examined medical research databases for studies looking at the impact of physical exercise on higher brain functions, such as memory, concentration, planning, and decision-making. Twelve studies looked at self-control—all found that short periods of exercise improved this higher brain function.