Brain Bulletin 122 - No Neuroscientist Ever Topped this Advice From Mom

in Brain Bulletin

Remember mom's advice for boredom and bad behaviour? "Go outside and play!"
 
Mom was right. Brain science confirms this sound advice. 
When we spend too much time indoors we can develop NDD - nature deficit disorder.
    (Sometimes referred to as "indoor disease".)
 
John Ratey states, “At every level, from the microcellular to the psychological, exercise not only wards off the ill effects of chronic stress; it can also reverse them. Studies show that if researchers exercise rats that have been chronically stressed, that activity makes the hippocampus grow back to its preshriveled state. The mechanisms by which exercise changes how we think and feel are so much more effective than donuts, medicines, and wine. When you say you feel less stressed out after you go for a swim, or even a fast walk, you are.”
 
And, when we combine exercise with nature the benefits are squared! 
 
It seems many of us spend too much time indoors with artificial light, screens, and constant distractions.
It's no wonder we sometimes feel like we are losing our minds.
 
Consider these benefits* of "green exercise" :
  • lower blood pressure
  • lower heart rate
  • better mood
  • increased creativity
  • better ideas
  • more serotonin and dopamine (happy chemicals)
  • lower cortisol (stress hormones)
  • less neuro-inflammation
  • prevent and delay dementia
  • happier thoughts
  • feeling more positive
  • better sleep

More movement outdoors in nature is just good medicine.

If  you enjoy going to the gym, great! Why not add a couple of outdoor activities a week?

"The Nature Effect" is real. So go.

* Source: Your Brain on Nature, Eva Selhub and Alan Logan

 
Here's a bit more :
 
Brain Bulletin 117 - The Magic of 10 at 10
 
                         ********************************************************
 
Something new:
Terry has a new webinar (can be live too) now available for booking:  Thinking for a Change - Preparing Your Mind & Brain for Disruption 
This session will gives you, and your organization the tools, and strategies to respond to current life challenges, disruption, and prepare for an ever changing future.

Congratulations on learning something about your brain today. The Brain Bulletin is committed to help you to do just that. If you missed any Brain Bulletins you can find them in the Brain Bulletin Archive: Brain Bulletin Archives

I am happy to connect with you about the brain and leadership, learning, health & wellness, and workplace safety on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. My links can be found at TerrySmall.com

What am I reading right now? "Your Brain on Nature" by Eva Selhub and Alan Logan. An excellent read to nourish your "brain garden".

Thanks for reading the Brain Bulletin......remember, you are a genius.

This FREE Brain Bulletin is received by over 35,000 brains. Please feel free forward it to other brains.

© 2023 Terry Small Learning Corporation. All rights reserved.