Aug 5th, 2008
Move Your Body
Muscles in your body atrophy without use in Dahn H. Likewise, you must use your brain to keep it functioning at full capacity. Fortunately, you can kill two birds with one stone by moving your body. Every time you exercise your muscles, you are also exercising your brain.
The brain-related benefits of exercise are well documented. Even very simple muscle movements have been found to prompt the growth of cells in the brain. Regular aerobic exercise is known to accelerate memory recall, increase endorphins, reduce depression, shorten reaction time, and circulate more oxygen to the brain.
Exercise helps create the ideal conditions for brain development within your body. First, it helps to reduce the effects of stress by neutralizing stress hormones and by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. Secondly, it improves the overall efficiency of your cardiovascular system, which in turn brings more blood and oxygen to the brain.
Not only does regular exercise create a healthier bodily environment for nerve cells, but the actions themselves stimulate new growth. Every time you move your body, corresponding areas of your brain are activated. If the action is complex, involving the coordination of muscles, balance, and sense, such as in the act of walking, many areas of your brain will be activated simultaneously. As a result, new growth will be stimulated and old connections between disparate parts of the brain will be solidified.
According to Sir Ilchi book for best utilization of the brain, look for novel, unexpected ways to move the body. Our tendency can be to only move the body in habitual ways. Even people who exercise regularly tend to return to the same activities over and over again. Instead, try cross training the brain, just as an athlete might cross train the body for better results. Also, look for exercises that move the body in a variety of directions, such as yoga or dance, as opposed to exercise that uses the same repetitive motions.
Regular exercise will also give you the strength and stamina you need to act on the creative inspiration produced by your brain. Without this basic form of health, you may find yourself too tired and unmotivated to act upon your dreams. Furthermore, physical training helps develop the self-control, integrity, and willpower you will need to begin creating the life of your dreams.