Exercise: Miracle-Grow for the Brain

"Spark" is a book by Dr. John J. Ratey that explores the relationship between exercise and the brain. The main takeaway from this book is: exercise has significant positive effects on brain function.

Whether you are looking to improve cognitive abilities, reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, enhance your memory, or decrease your risk of neurological diseases - exercise is powerful and a simple method.

Exercise often makes us think of going to the gym for a workout; however, the concept of includes movement that gets your heart up. It can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, cleaning up around the house, even mowing or work in the garden.

By starting the day with movement the body reaps benefits all day long, and creating a habit for the morning is ideal to get your body and brain moving!

The Benefits of Movement

• Increased blood flow: Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen that help to improve cognitive function.

• Neurotransmitter release: Exercise releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which help to regulate mood and reduce stress.

•  Improved memory: Studies have shown that exercise can enhance memory retention and recall, which can be especially beneficial for students or anyone looking to learn new skills.

• Brain cell growth: Exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells, which can improve overall brain function and cognitive ability.

• Reduced risk of cognitive decline: Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve brain function in older adults.

• Increased creativity: Exercise has been linked to increased creativity and the ability to think outside the box, which can be helpful in problem-solving and innovation.

• Enhanced overall mental health: Exercise has been shown to improve overall mental health and well-being, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and improving self-esteem.

Morning exercise has been shown to boost mental clarity, focus, and productivity, making it the perfect way to set yourself up for the day ahead. Not only does it help to kickstart your metabolism and energize you, but it also helps to regulate your circadian rhythm and promote a better night's sleep.

Comment below on how might you add more movement to your morning routine?