The Big Questions

Life, death and free will.

Exercise Is Brain Lubricant

Active, Smiling, Calm, Geniuses

Imagine that I tell you that you can be less happy and more anxious if you take this pill. Imagine that—as an added bonus—this pill can also make you think less clearly. 

Sign you up, right?

Yet, people all over the world—myself included—consistenly do something that heightens depression, heightens anxiety and impairs your cognitive performance. What is it?

We fail to exercise! 

Research shows that exercise reduces stress levels and increases happiness levels. Research also shows that exercise strengthens the efficiency of our brain's neurons. And, neurons are the origin of everything that makes us human—our emotions, our thoughts, our bodily movements and actions. 

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In my experience, I know I think a LOT more clearly and make fewer errors on days/weeks when I exercise. Without exercise, my mind feels almost stunted, sort of like the mind's equivalent of trying to walk through mud. It still works, but it's not as efficient (err, and it ruins your shoes?).   

Research supports the notion that exercise is the brain's lubricant.



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Nathan Heflick completed his Ph.D. in social psychology at The University of South Florida.

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