How Exercise Rewires Your Brain (and Boosts Your Mood)
Exercise isn’t just about being fit and looking good, it’s a reset button for your brain.
When you move, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like:
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Endorphins – Natural mood boosters
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Dopamine & Serotonin – Key to motivation and calm
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BDNF – A protein that helps grow brain cells and improve focus (see the book I recommend below)
The result?
✅ Sharper thinking
✅ Better sleep
✅ Lower stress
✅ More resilience
✅ A sense of calmness
Want to understand why? Check out Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by Dr. John Ratey, t’s a must-read on how movement changes your brain with the science behind it. The book will also convince you of the need to a strong PE program at schools.
What Kind of Exercise?
You don’t need intense workouts to start, while I am a big proponet of lifting, I do see the value in less intense exercise for those who are high stressed or beginners.
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Cardio (walk, bike, row) → Boosts mood and energy (preferably done in the sun
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Strength Training → Builds confidence and has a drastic impact on you physique
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Mind-Body Movement (yoga etc) → Calms the nervous system
Quick Ways to Start
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Walk for 10 minutes after lunch
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Listen to music or a podcast while moving
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Try a group class for fun and accountability
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Focus on how you feel—not how you look
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Track your mood before and after workouts
Final Thought
Stress is part of life but it doesn’t have to run the show. That is no way to live.
Movement is medicine. Start small, stay consistent, and let your brain thank you.
Go for a walk today. Join a group fitness class. It’s a step toward a calmer, stronger and more focuses way of life.