Exercise, sun, sleep all brain boosters

WE have all heard the old saying, “use it or lose it” and yet most of us think of a declining physical body.

However, this also applies to the brain, but it doesn’t mean you need to “think more” to have a healthy brain. Let me explain. As we get older, our brains produce less brain derived neurotrophic factor which is like fertiliser for brain cells.

Unfortunately for us, “just add BDNF prior to learning” isn’t possible, as we cannot take a vitamin for it. How do we increase BDNF so that our brains are healthier, so we feel and perform at our best?

Exercise has been proven through medical research as the top way to improve BDNF levels.

When BDNF rises, people’s memory improves, mood improves significantly, and learning occurs at normal levels.

Getting a good dosage of sun is another fantastic way to enhance BDNF.

Afternoon jogging/walking, rounds of golf, outdoor bootcamps, or my favourite — beach volleyball, all provide a double dose of BDNF.

We feel positively different after some sun and sweat.

Challenging yourself mentally learning a new skill, meditating, or doing brain training support BDNF production too.

When we are more active, get more sun, and are challenged mentally, we then sleep better, which of course, is another BDNF boost.

By preparing for a marathon without ever having run before and by doing it alongside others, the Indigenous Marathon Project runners have improved their memory, learning ability, mood, social skills, and their physical fitness. They will lead significantly different lives from here on in with healthier bodies and brains. Life-changing stuff.

WHEN WE ARE MORE ACTIVE, GET MORE SUN, AND ARE CHALLENGED MENTALLY, WE THEN SLEEP BETTER, WHICH OF COURSE, IS ANOTHER BDNF BOOST.