Many of us know the sense of physical and emotional well
being that comes from an intense workout, a long run or playing a team sport such as rowing. But what if such activities also made us smarter?
That’s the finding of Dr. John Ratey, professor of
psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. His book, Spark:
The Revolutionary New Science Of Exercise And The Brain, continues
to have a major impact upon organizations and academic institutions worldwide.
According to the author physical activity “provides physical, social and
intellectual stimulation which creates a positive challenge or stress to the
brain, which in turn causes the brain to adapt, resulting in healthy cognitive
development.”
According to Dr. Ratey, exercise helps us in three specific ways to promote learning.
First, it works the brain systems for attention, motivation and the ability to resist impulses or frustration while improving our memory.
Second, exercise prepares our neurons to be in the optimal
circumstance for growth. We don’t learn anything unless our brain cells grow.
Third, is neurogenesis. Exercise produces brand new brain cells–more than anything else we know.
“The benefits are physical and emotional, in terms of
promoting confidence, health and happiness,” writes Dr. Ratey. “The phrase ‘run
the brain’ now has a new and exciting connotation.” Get out there.
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