Exercise: It’s good for your brain too.

Source: Men’s Health

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“Increasing blood flow to the brain [via exercise] stimulates the release of mood-elevating hormones. The same neurochemicals  that relax the blood vessels relax the brain. This helps both body and brain cope with stress.”

“Exercise helps the body muster up its own internal medicine to combat depression and worry. For most people, exercise is a healthier alternative to mood-altering medications.”

– The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood, William Sears, M.D., et. al.

Life is tough. No question. Exercise can help you cope. Get some.

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“After just 25 minutes, your mood improves, you are less stressed, you have more energy — and you’ll be motivated to exercise again tomorrow. A bad mood is no longer a barrier to exercise; it is the very reason to exercise.”

– Jasper Smits, director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Program at Southern Methodist University

This isn’t anything new but it is worth noting. Here is a great reason to exercise TODAY. It really does work. Try it.

Source: ScienceDaily: Mental Health Providers Should Prescribe Exercise More Often for Depression, Anxiety, Research Suggests

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“The results of our study are particularly interesting in that they suggest that even modest amounts of exercise by sedentary older adults can lead to substantial improvements in memory and brain health.”

– Art Kramer, director of the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois and senior author of this study.

Read the entire article at ScienceDaily.

Just another reason to start the exercise habit now, no matter what stage you are at in life.

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“Studies have found that exercise improves mood and modestly decreases anxiety symptoms. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on all or most days.”

– Harvard Health Publications: Worried or Anxious? Tips for Coping

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“I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.”

– Pearl S. Buck, American Author, 1938 Nobel Prize for Literature

It’s Monday.  It can be a good day for you or a bad day.  You decide.

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Interesting.  Based on their findings, those who ate mostly whole foods (fresh fruits, veggies, fish, etc.) had a 26 percent lower risk of depression than those who ate mostly processed, fatty foods.

What does it mean?  It means eating whole foods is going to be better for you than eating processed junk all the time — and for more reasons than just decreasing your risk for depression. 

Look, I know depression is a complex and serious issue.  I know there’s more to getting rid of depression than just eating healthier.  But the bottom line is that there is a link and eating healthier may help. 

Studies have shown that eating plenty of healthy foods and getting regular exercise can combat a lot of stress, anxiety and depression. 

I can only speak for myself, but when I’m eating good and getting a lot of physical activity, I’m just happier and more pleasant to be around. 

Try it.  It might work for you too.

Read more about this study here.

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In each of these matches, she’s dropped the first set, only to rally and win the next two each time.  She’s fun to watch, and she’s got some cool sneakers.  Written on them: “Believe.” 

What I love about this is that she’s obviously put in the time and effort to get to where she is.  Now it’s starting to pay off.  She believes in herself and her game. 

Good message for everyone.  We have to believe.  Believe that we can succeed, get healthy, or reach any goal.  Work, effort, patience, and belief are necessary. 

Catch her next match against #9 seed Caroline Wozniacki Wednesday on ESPN2.

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“The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they’ll ease
Your will they’ll mend
And charge you not a shilling.”

–Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990

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“It really is never too late to start exercising.  Even people who remain sedentary most of their life can benefit from participating in an exercise regimen.  The second thing that is important for keeping a healthy brain as you age is to remain intellectually curious.  That is, don’t be afraid to learn new things. Pursue things that you find interesting and try to search out new and novel avenues for your mind and brain to work on.”

– Kirk Erickson, Ph.D on Saving Your Aging Brain [via CNN.com here].

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