Nearly everyone knows that exercise reduces your stress. By working out the physical tensions at the gym, the mental tensions seem to dissipate more easily because you simply feel better. It’s also been shown that exercise increases the concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that tends to moderate the nervous system’s response to stress.
Did you know that regular vigorous exercise in many cases is just as effective (or even more effective) than antidepressant medications for depression? It’s true. It’s your endorphins that have been identified for creating those wonderful feelings of well-being and even euphoria. These drugs are just waiting to be accessed in your own brain pharmacy, and for a little bit of physical effort, they are yours for the taking. Though I am not a long distance runner, the 40-minutes of cardio effort on the stationery bike and the elliptical cross trainer that I submit myself to 3-4 times a week definitely provide me with a happy buzz that endures. I love the feeling I leave with when I’m done exercising.
This part is unpleasant to talk about but scientific research has shown that for the great majority, our brains actually atrophy as we age. They shrink! This is a huge bummer that contributes to cognitive decline and seems to often coincide with the growing numbers of people diagnosed with the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease, for which there is no cure at this time. Exercise (and a healthy diet) tends to fortify the brain against degenerative diseases by increasing circulation to that most cherished organ, even if there is a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s. As a side bar, better vascular circulation through exercise also keeps you feeling more sexual as that other cherished organ also benefits from more regular blood flow. To prevent or at least reduce the degeneration of the hippocampus, a very important part of the brain tagged for memory and learning, consider moderate to high-intensity aerobic exercise. If you have resistance to this, address psychoenergetic reversal to get over it. I can guide you through this if you need some help.
Since researchers claim that we lose brain cells through shrinkage of our cherished brain as we age, why not consider the other side of this equation that is called neurogenesis? This is the process through which we actually grow new brain cells AND improve our overall brain performance. This means improved decision making and improved learning can result. The key? Aerobic exercise. Start now while you can still move easily—your brain will love you for it.
Of course, most people who regularly exercise find that sleep comes easier when it’s time for bed. That, and the pervasive experience of ongoing relaxation (the consequence of stress release), is a delightful benefit of exercise. Truth is that it’s hard to be anxious when you’re relaxed. Don’t have the time? I suggest reconsidering and deciding where your priorities are because time marches on and your body is constantly being buffeted by the interpersonal stresses of unresolved personal history along with the increased toxins in our environment that work together to wear down the body and brain.
Additionally, too many of us spend way too many hours sitting at a desk, in a car and in front of a screen. Our bodies are designed to move! While regular exercise is not a panacea, it is perhaps the key element to taking care of your physical body, the temple of your soul. Exercise equals more energy allowing you to get more things done in your life. It provides the fuel for increased creativity and wards off many of the degenerative diseases that include arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and dementia. Isn’t it time to get moving? Your brain will smile and keep on smiling.
Posted by Howard Brockman , LCSW
May 6, 2013
Howard Brockman
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