Reflecting on the initial revelation from a friend that her morning run bestowed benefits not only upon her body but also significantly enriched her mind, I began to appreciate the profound implications of the mind/body connection. Undoubtedly, the cascade of chemical reactions during and post-exercise immerses us in a therapeutic elixir of contentment, accomplishment, and tranquility. The aftermath of physical activity leaves us with heightened mental clarity, increased optimism, gratitude, positivity, and motivation. The resulting sense of well-being primes us for transformative change, creating an awe-inspiring synergy between physical exertion and optimal brain health.
In 2011, I had the great fortune of attending a conference in San Francisco, California where Dr. John Ratey presented on his 2008 book, SPARK, which, through its elucidation of cutting edge research, likened movement to medicine and espoused the importance of exercise for mental wellness and focus. All that are active intuitively understand this connection. Fast forward to present day, and the exercise / mental wellness link is less cutting edge but no less exciting. It seems almost universally accepted that mental and physical wellness are inseparable, and that exercise is a positive component of a comprehensive holistic wellness plan.
If you’re ready to improve your brain health and make exercise a joyful part of your routine, you’re in the right place. We’re not talking about grueling workouts or breaking records here—just some simple, enjoyable moves that your brain will thank you for. Let’s dive into a few tips that’ll not only get your body grooving but also make your brain do a happy dance.
- Find Your Jam: Choose an activity you enjoy—whether it’s dancing, walking, or yoga. The key is to get moving and have fun while doing it!
- Consistency is Key: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Break it down into manageable chunks, like 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
- Mix It Up: Keep things interesting by trying different activities. Swim, bike, hike—variety is like a buffet for your brain, offering a diverse range of benefits.
- Buddy System: Exercise is better with friends. Join a class or grab a workout buddy. The social element adds extra enjoyment and motivation.
- Listen to Your Body: Not into high-intensity workouts? No problem. Find what works for you and make it a habit. Exercise should be a celebration, not a chore.
What is newer, is the increased focus on neuroplasticity. The clearing of our minds that occurs during movement and exercise can also provide the perfect opportunity for us to ‘rewire” our brains. Research in the area of neuroplasticity posits that, as we do and think differently, we change the physical structure of our brains. While exercising, we often find ourselves more open to possibility and creative thinking. For many, this creates a golden opportunity for new ways of thinking and ultimately, new ways of being. Exercise as a catalyst for neural change – how cool is that!?
So, lace up your shoes, slip into your swim suit, clip into your pedals or grab your dancing slippers… whatever it is that you do to move, get up, and get out there. Your brain health belongs to you. Perhaps, feeling a little better, a little stronger, a little more confident and creative exists on the other side of a workout!
Author Bio
Cory Donald is a Registered Psychologist and the founder of FORWARD Psychology & Wellness in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In addition to traditional office-based therapy, FORWARD combines the benefit of movement and talk therapy by offering year round, outdoor Run and Walk therapy. Therapy on the move! Run & Walk therapy does not require one be an athlete, an elite runner or walker – the focus is on the therapeutic component, and appropriate pace is mutually determined. For many, leaving the office and moving mindfully outdoors, working through challenges and developing solutions collaboratively, fosters growth, change, balance and accomplishment.
