Move and Groove #28 - Move

I have never regretted taking a walk... I always feel better and think better after moving my body through space and time.

Regular movement is good for physical health. It's also one of the best things you can do for your brain. Science shows that movement not only supports cognitive function in the short-term, but can also help protect your brain health long-term.

My brain works better during and after movement... Sometimes I take a walk to take a break from a hard problem and novel solutions appear when not expected. Movement helps me figure out what's going on in my gut, makes decisions more clear, and feels good.

I am such a fan of movement that I schedule it. As a CIO, I would take three walks per day for active recovery, problem-solving, and energy building. Now I put in two per day (less stress than before) along with multiple backcountry longer walks sprinkled throughout the year for faster growth and learning.

Neuroscience Nugget: A growing body of research indicates that aerobic exercise enhances neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections (Erickson et al., 2019). This means that every time you move, you're essentially helping your brain rewire itself to be more adaptable and resilient.

But the benefits don't stop there. Regular exercise also promotes the release of neurotrophic factors like BDNF, which support the growth and survival of neurons. It enhances cerebral blood flow, providing your brain with more oxygen and nutrients. And it's been linked to improvements in memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functions.

Pep talk: So for this week's pep talk - find ways to incorporate more movement into your workday. Get it scheduled or it won't happen! Take a brisk walk during your lunch break. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Park in the space at the far end of the parking lot at the grocery store.

Get up and get moving this week - your brain will thank you!

Be well,

Eric

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