Learn why physical exercise is good for your brain.
What do experts say about exercise and the brain?
Wendy Suzuki Ph.D. author “ Healthy brain, happy life,” says
“ exercise is the most transformational activity you can do for your brain.”
Dr. John J. Rate e ( Ratey) author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise says
“ The neurons in the brain connect to one another through “leaves” on treelike branches, and exercise causes those branches to grow and bloom new buds, thus enhancing brain function
In addition, exercise increases your heart rate and allows your cardiovascular system to pump more oxygen to your brain. This added oxygen allows your brain to repair, regenerate, and function better.
Dr. John Ratey who has studied the impact of exercise has on learning for over a decade and has found that people who exercise before studying outperform people who do not.
Daily exercise that raises your heart rate of 20 or 30 minutes raises the level three important neurotransmitters.
Dopamine
Serotonin
Norepinephrine
Neurotransmitters are the molecules used by the nervous system to transmit messages between neurons, or neurons to muscles. Regular exercise can increase these three neurotransmitters.
In very simple terms dopamine impacts your level of motivation. Low levels of dopamine can result in low levels of motivation and high levels increase motivation.
Motivation is the key to learning new material.
Serotonin impacts your mood, anger, and depression. Low levels can lead to depression and higher levels can improve your mood which impacts your ability to learn
Norepinephrine impacts your ability to focus.
Low levels led to dull focus, and high levels sharpen your focus.
Twenty or thirty minutes of aerobic exercise has been described as a miracle growth for the brain.
So let’s apply this knowledge with a couple of suggestions to help you start brainstorming about how you can link exercise and learning.
Before your next study session gets your heart rate elevated for 20 or 30 minutes then start studying.
Take your flashcards on a brisk walk and memorize while walking
I do this all the time.
I go for an easy bike and as I ride I create the script to my next video in my mind. Ultramarathoner Dean Karnazas writes portions of his books while running and recording as he runs.
While studying take exercise breaks while you study. It could be as simple as dancing, or jumping jacks during the break.
Record your notes on your phone, put in your earbuds, go for a walk, and learn your notes.
The opportunities are endless, just combine 20 or 30 minutes of exercise with learning new material.
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