A few interesting connections that may surprise you.
We often underestimate, or at least overlook, the body-mind connection.
“The most convincing evidence is that physical exercise helps prevent the development of Alzheimer’s or slow the progression in people who have symptoms”
#1 Stay Sharp
Want to make sure you stay sharp even as the years roll on? Harvard Medical School recently released findings that shed interesting light on what can be done to prevent serious cognitive decline. While researchers aren’t totally certain what causes Alzheimer’s, the evidence is pretty clear that moving your body is one of the very best things you can do for your brain.
#2 Don’t Forget = More Sweat
The parts of the brain that control thinking and memory (prefrontal cortex and medial temporal cortex) are usually bigger and better developed in those who exercise versus people who don’t. “Even more exciting is the finding that engaging in a program of regular exercise of moderate intensity over six months or a year is associated with an increase in the volume of selected brain regions,” says Dr. Scott McGinnis, a neurologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School.
#3 Adios Anxiety
Saying mental health is important is like saying oxygen is nice to have. When we struggle with our mental well being, too often we first think of pills and costly therapists. Yes, there’s often a very valid need for these. But before you think prescriptions, maybe first think perspiration. Study after study shows that anxiety and depression can be improved by increased blood flow to the brain though activities that get your heart pumping and blood flowing to the brain. And often these actives are done with other good humans which gets us socializing, building relationships, and feeling even better.
Simply getting outside with others and moving your body on a regular basis won’t make all your mental health dreams come true, but it is proven to help drastically and is often overlooked. So….get out!
Want to learn more? Read on –>
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-a-promising-treatment-for-dementia
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7AWffPpSLGEC&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=stanford+exercise+and+mental+performance&ots=UZoTNjfQRt&sig=n1C1Sq9YHpwQpH6xJ6vSs-ODRPk#v=onepage&q&f=false
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306452210002782
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