Brain Food

Move your body. It’s good for your brain.

Exercise, and not necessarily strenuous exercise is GOOD for your immune system and your brain. One study in Vermont showed that just 20 minutes of exercise can boost your mood for up to 12 hours.

We tend to think that we have to commit to some elaborate exercise plan with classes and a gym, but just walking is all you need. Of course, if you can do some strength exercises or something that revs up your heart more, that is fantastic. But simply taking a short walk every day is a perfect way to start.

Exercise increases endorphins and other happy chemicals in our body, and decreases cortisol, our stress response. Taking a walk outside has other benefits, too. It’s good for the soul. Being in nature or even out in the fresh air feels good.

When the weather is less than ideal, I find it hard to get motivated. One trick I use is to remember how when I do get out in a light rain or on a cold day, when I get home, I feel as though I have turned on my super powers. I want to pat myself on the back for plunging into something that I didn’t want to do, but I did it!

On those days I not only get the brain boost of getting out, but I feel like I have earned an award. I also like to pick something to focus on when I am out walking. It may be looking for beautiful flowers, interesting bark formations, heart shapes, or even cloud formation. I take pictures to chronicle them, and the beauty keeps me inspired all day.

In fact, because of our monkey mind’s natural bent to focus on the negative, looking for positive and beautiful things is also a great happy habit. Anything we can do to train or rewire our brain toward happiness is also healthy.

So, jump up and take a walk. Your body and brain will thank you.

Betsy Smith, Certified Happy For No Reason Trainer and coach

betsyrsmith@mac.com

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