You know exercise is good for your physical health, but did you know you can exercise your way to a sharper mind?
Recent neurological research has shown that there is a so-called “magic protein” called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) that is involved in changes related to learning and memory.
And it is stimulated by cardiovascular exercise!
BDNF can rewire and build new neural pathways in the brain, especially in the areas that control memory (the hippocampus) and analysis, thinking, and decision-making (the frontal lobes).
Your frontal lobes are where most of the intellectual activity of the brain takes place, from processing the data that’s coming in all the time to problem-solving and making ethical decisions.
And you can keep these critical parts of your brain swimming in BDNF by simply increasing the amount of exercise in your daily routine.
If you find it hard to commit to regular exercise, here are three ways you can make it easier and supercharge your brain at the same time.
Make it Fun
The key to maintaining an exercise regimen is to choose an activity or activities that you enjoy.
Not everyone likes going to the gym, but there are many other ways to increase your heart rate and get the BDNF pumping.
Dancing, swimming, hiking out in nature, and bike riding will all get your heart rate up, and you’ll enjoy doing it.
Even brisk walking will help.
As a bonus, exercise will boost your endorphins, too, making you happier and more relaxed.
Schedule Your Exercise
It’s easier to stick to a regular exercise plan if you schedule time in your planner.
I have made 30 minutes of cardio part of my daily morning routine because I’m more likely to skip it if I don’t get it done first thing!
Set aside time and increase your sessions until you’re exercising for thirty minutes, four or five times a week.
Like any other habit, once you make it a priority, it will become just another part of your regular routine like brushing your teeth.
Make it Musical
Research has shown that music can increase motivation and happiness.
Exercise will be much more fun if you boogie to your favorite melodies!
Even housework can become a brain-boosting dance routine when you’re vacuuming along to music that makes you smile. Turn up the volume and start cleaning to the beat!
Create a playlist of your favorite songs, and you will find that exercise is pleasurable and much easier to stick to when there’s upbeat music to encourage you.
To spice up my regular routine, I occasionally follow along with a Zumba session on YouTube.
The music really inspires me to have fun and get moving!
Conclusion
The pursuit of a sharper mind doesn’t have to be a strenuous or daunting task.
With the three effortless ways to exercise your way to a sharper mind in this article, you can seamlessly incorporate brain-boosting exercise into your daily routine.
In the journey to a sharper mind, consistency and dedication are key.
The path to a sharper mind is within reach.
By making use of these three techniques to help develop a consistent exercise habit, you’ll improve your memory as well as feel happier and more motivated.
So, what are you waiting for?
Do you have any other suggestions for making it easier to stick to a daily exercise plan? Please comment below.
Thanks!
