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The
brain and mind are like muscles; the more they are fed and used,
the more they grow. Avid violin players, for example, need
enormous amounts of muscle strength in their left fingers to
hold down thick cords. When they build up those muscles, the
location of the brain cells controlling these strengthened
fingers enlarges over time. In the same way, an artist who
constantly needs to use her right hand increases the size of the
corresponding area of her brain. In the same way, athletes can
not only decrease inflammation and increase the blood
circulation, oxygenation, and the size of the areas of the brain
associated with their largest muscle groups, but they can also
increase activity throughout the brain. The more we use our
bodies, the more our brains reorganize networks and grow, and
the more we enter into the serenity zone.
Increased
physical activity enhances both brain cell networking and
growth, collectively known as “plasticity,” in specific parts of
the brain and in the organ overall with time, while sitting
around leads to lessened cell networking or brain cell atrophy.
In addition, regular exercise is known to quiet negative moods
such as irritability, worry, anxiety, and depression, and to
foster a sense of well-being. It’s also been proven to help the
heart, glucose tolerance, bone density, and possibly the immune
system, while boosting brain-made “morphine,” or endorphins that
further reduce stress and depression.
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