The Mind-Body Connection
Boost Mental Acuity Through Exercise
By Dr. Rick Kattouf II
It goes without saying that
exercise is great for the body and overall health. In addition, regular
exercise is also great for the mind. According to Michael Otto, PhD, "the
link between exercise and mood is pretty strong." Most people would agree
that, mentally, they feel great following a workout, even if they are
physically exhausted. Many individuals choose to start their day with a
workout because they feel they are mentally sharper throughout the day.
In a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, 2007, James
Blumenthal, PhD concluded that exercise was comparable to antidepressants for
patients with major depressive disorder. In a follow-up study, Blumenthal
concluded that, "exercise seems not only important for treating
depression, but also in preventing relapse."
Endorphin
Rush
What are
Endorphins? They are a group of hormones secreted within the brain and
nervous system that have a number of psychological functions. Exercise
increases the release of endorphins. Endorphins help to assist in diminishing
the pain associated with exercise, thereby, allowing you to exercise longer.
Mood-Booster
Serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter,
is a natural mood enhancer. Serotonin is released during exercise, hence,
making exercise a great mood-booster. Sleep also affects serotonin levels and
that is why getting good quality sleep each night, 7-8 hours, when combined
with regular exercise can become a great 1-2 punch for enhancing one’s mood.
Increase
Productivity
Have you ever wondered how some
individuals have such high levels of energy, all day, every day and how
productive they are each and every day? Well, a lot of this has to do with
regular exercise. Exercise helps to increase blood flow to the brain and this
can help to assist in increasing awareness and mental acuity. In turn, this
enables individuals to be ready, mentally, to take on any and all tasks that present
themselves during a day of work. Just imagine feeling more alert, more aware
and having higher levels of energy all throughout the day. This makes for a day
of amazing productivity.
The benefits of exercise,
both physically and mentally, are endless. If you have been working out
regularly, I have no doubt that you have experienced all of these mental
benefits. If you are new to working out and just getting started,
congratulations; you have an amazing journey ahead of you and just wait until
you start to experience all these positive, mental (and physical) benefits that
consistent and regular exercise will bring. Enjoy the journey!
References:
1-
American Psychological Association, The Exercise Effect
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Rick Kattouf II, O.D. is a
2x Best-Selling Author and Fitness & Nutrition expert and has been named
one of America’s PremierExperts® and one of the World Fitness Elite® Trainers
of the Year. Rick is a Sports Nutrition Specialist, Heart Rate Performance
Specialist, Master Personal Trainer & Triathlon Coach. He has been seen on
ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox affiliates around the country as well as in the USA Today,
Chicago Tribune, National Examiner, Ironman.com, My Fitness Pal,
Livestrong.com, Runner’s World, Bicycling Magazine, Men’s Health UK, FIGHT!
Magazine, Florida Cycling Magazine and The Independent in the UK. Rick is the
CEO/Founder of TeamKattouf® Inc, CEO/Founder of TeamKattouf®
Nutrition LLC, CEO/Founder of Virtual Gym LLC, Creator of TeamKattouf®
Nutrition Supplements, Host of Rx Nutrition, author of Forever Fit, Creator of
5-Round Fury® Nutrition Supplement, 5-Round Fury Fitness® workout app, Creator
of Coach2CEO,
Creator of Fuel Keeper®, Entrepreneur and Inspirational Speaker. Dr.
Rick has personally coached individuals in 30+ states and 10+ countries.
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