By Casey Kirkeby
What if I told you that you could do something right now and it would have an immediate, long lasting, and positive effect on your brain? It could protect you from many diseases like Alzheimer’s or even Dementia. Sorry to burst your bubble but there is no magic pill for your brain, but I do have a bit of good news- there is a way to protect your brain and generate new brain cells at the same time! Exercise is the closest thing we have to a magic pill and according to neuroscientist, Wendy Suzuki (Clickable link to her webpage), exercise can actually help you remember more and for longer periods of time too.
After reading Wendy Suzuki ‘s article and listening to her top rated Ted Talk of 2018 (over 7.1 million views) about the brain-changing benefits of exercise, I realized that I have been feeling the listed effects after my workouts. “One reason exercise leads to a happier, healthier brain is because it promotes neurogenesis, or the birth of new brain cells, which helps improve cognitive function”, says Suzuki. I find myself having quicker reaction times: for example, catching a cup of coffee when it slips off a tabletop at Starbucks.
Another important aspect I’d like to mention is WHEN you exercise. Since reading Suzuki’s article, I’ve been working out early in the morning before work. Exercising first thing in the morning can produce a noticeable difference in your attention and ability to focus. “When do you want those growth factors in your brain working? You want them working when you get to work,” she stated.
In conclusion, find an interesting and fun workout facility and try a workout class in the morning. You’ll be exhausted at first but push through it and it will improve your whole outlook on life. We treat our cars and houses with care because it’s an investment, so why wouldn’t we treat our bodies with the same or better?
Learn more about how exercise can change your brain by checking out the following article and TED Talk-
https://www.fastcompany.com/3054847/can-exercise-really-make-you-grow-new-brain-cells
