Exercising is Good for the Brain as Well as the Body

Of course exercising is good for the body. Less well-known is the fact that it is just as good for the mind! The brain and the body are intricately connected, and exercising the body has tremendous positive effects on the mind. John Ratey, Harvard Psychiatrist and author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, says that "Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain, in terms of mood, memory and learning." 

 

Exercise works to improve brain function on two levels: on a biochemical level and on a behavioral level. 

 

On a chemical level, exercise--especially aerobic exercise--limits production of adrenaline and cortisol which are linked to stress. It also increases level of endorphins, which produce a feeling of well-being. Combined, these two factors elevate the mood and rejuvenate the mind. This effect has been proven to combat stress and depression in clinical trials.

 

On a behavioral level, exercise can increase one's happiness and mental acuity. As one exercises and sees physical improvement--whether it's in muscle gained, weight lost, or simply in increased performance--they gain a sense of achievement and a boost in their confidence. That effects positively their performance in all aspects of their life.

 

To benefit most from these mental effects of exercise, one should perform some type of aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. It doesn't have to be a vigorous work-out at a gym. One can simply engage in a moderate activity, such as jogging or walking briskly. If possible, break up the work day, in order to remove the effects of stress from the first half of the day and enjoy increased mental efficiency throughout the remainder of the day.