This is Your Brain...on Exercise

A new story at Quartz features a piece writen by a neuroscientist who stresses the benefits of exercise and how it can help us in business by improving our ability to shift and focus attention.

Exercise combats stress by increasing levels of key neurotransmitters, including serotonin, noradrenalin, dopamine and endorphins, that are often depleted by anxiety and depression.  As he states, "That’s why going for a run or spending 30 minutes on the elliptical can boost our moods immediately—combatting the negative feelings we often associate with chronic stressors we deal with every day."

He also goes on to highlight, that when we exercise and get our blood pumping, it trains our brain to shift gears and focus on the priorities in front of us, maximizing our true potential.  He suggests that prior to the BIG presentation we need to get in a workout to ensure we are at peak performance.

The best part of exercise is that it helps a key brain structure that’s critical for long-term memory. I won't try to explain it, but the key takeaway is that in some recent studies "increased levels of physical exercise can result in improved memory."  As I get older this continues to be a challenge for me and most of the people I come into to contact with.

So put down your electronic device and go hit the gym.