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The Neuroscience Of Exercise | Wendy Suzuki

Jan 6, 2025

Wendy Suzuki, a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at NYU and author of 'Good Anxiety,' dives into the fascinating relationship between exercise and brain health. She discusses how physical activity boosts cognitive function and guards against age-related decline. Wendy breaks down the benefits of cardio versus strength training, and shares tips on sustaining exercise motivation. The chat also explores the brain benefits of sleep, meditation, and even the surprising advantages of anxiety—all wrapped up in practical advice for a healthier lifestyle.

01:12:45

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Episode guests

Dr. Wendy Suzuki

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Quick takeaways

Exercise significantly enhances cognitive function and protects against neurodegenerative diseases by promoting the release of key neurochemicals.

Sustaining motivation for exercise involves practical strategies such as starting with manageable sessions and integrating enjoyable activities into daily life.

Different exercise forms like cardio particularly boost brain health, while adequate sleep and mindfulness practices further complement cognitive function and emotional resilience.

Deep dives

The Cognitive Benefits of Exercise

Exercise significantly benefits brain health by promoting the release of neurotransmitters and neurochemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, which enhance cognitive function. Engaging in physical activity increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth factor that supports the growth and maintenance of neurons in the hippocampus, critical for memory and learning. Regular exercise not only boosts immediate cognitive performance but also offers long-term protection against cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer's. This highlights the importance of incorporating movement into daily routines for optimal brain function.

Intro

2min

Mind-Body Connection: A Week of Wellness

8min

Empowering Exercise: Habits for Brain Health

22min

Enhancing Sleep Quality: Personal Insights and Practical Strategies

5min

Coping with Anxiety and Sleep Strategies

19min

Understanding and Managing 'Good Anxiety'

5min

Breath as Healing: Harnessing Joy and Anxiety

18min

Highlighting Contributions and Community Engagement

3min

What exercise does to your brain—and how to actually do it regularly.

Wendy Suzuki is a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University, where she is also the first Asian-American Dean of the College of Arts and Science. She is the author of two books, Good Anxiety and Healthy Brain, Happy Life.

This episode is part of our monthlong Do Life Better series.

We talk about:

How exercise not only enhances cognitive function but also protects against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
The difference between cardio and strength training
Whether it matters if you track your steps
How to sustain your motivation to exercise
And practical tips on how to start, restart or increase an exercise habit
We also talk about the brain benefits of sleep, meditation, and healthy eating (with a detour into ways to counteract the potentially unhealthy obsession with being healthy)
And finally, we talk about the counterintuitive benefits of anxiety

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Full Shownotes: https://www.meditatehappier.com/podcast/tph/wendy-suzuki-888