Did you know that a good bout of exercise releases serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and endorphins?  These chemicals make you feel calmer and happier.   It's also the reason I started to exercise seriously at 15.  Those teen hormones can do a number on your psyche.  

Exercise may also make you feel calmer under pressure as it releases norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that builds the brain's resilience to stress; something I'm sure we can all use. 

Research by Moses V. Chao PhD at NYU, suggests that exercise literally grows the brain! This study states that fatty acids in your system break down into ketone bodies which activate the gene responsible for producing brain derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF.    BDNF spurs the creation of new brain cells which help nerve cells communicate and strengthens the brain synapses.  This improves reaction time, memory and decision making.  Pretty cool, don't you think?

Wondering what is the best exercise plan for all these amazing brain benefits?

It seems the best approach is to mix it up.  Cardio exercise produces the "feel good" neurotransmitters as well as  BDNF and gray matter. While resistance training protects the white matter.  White matter is tissue in the brain composed of nerve fibers that pass messages between different areas of gray matter. 

It's also a good idea to add a bit of yoga to reduce stress and inflammation.

The journal "Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience" claims that dance makes your white matter healthier.  This is believed to be from learning new choreography. Dancing with a partner is also a fabulous way to get much needed social interaction.   

If you can exercise outside, sunlight has been shown to increase serotonin and boost critical thinking.   

After exercise be sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate as even mild dehydration can leave you feeling low and fatigued.

If you have felt any of these brain boosting benefits, I would love to hear from you.  :) . Happy Exercising!