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Exercise, particularly cardiovascular exercise, has a positive impact on memory. It can improve focus, attention, and reaction time. Acute effects of exercise include a mood boost, improved prefrontal function, and enhanced reaction time. Regular exercise also promotes the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory formation. Even a short 10-minute walk can have immediate mood-boosting effects. Long-term effects of exercise include reducing anxiety, depression, and hostility, as well as improving performance on cognitive tasks. Exercise early in the day may be especially beneficial for mood and cognitive function throughout the day.
The effects of exercise on memory are mediated by several physiological mechanisms. Aerobic exercise releases a myokine from the muscles and a ketone from the liver, both of which pass through the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF promotes the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus. Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing nutrient and oxygen delivery. The acute effects of exercise can last up to two hours, with improvements in mood, attention, and reaction time.
Exercising early in the day may have additional benefits for memory and cognitive function. It can shift cortisol release earlier, promoting wakefulness and mental clarity throughout the day. While any exercise at any time is beneficial, doing it in the morning aligns with the natural rhythms of the body and may optimize brain function when it is most needed.
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining brain health and cognitive performance. It can reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Exercise not only improves memory and cognitive function but also enhances mood and overall well-being. Whether it's cardiovascular exercise, weight training, or any other form of physical activity, staying active is essential for maintaining a healthy brain and achieving optimal cognitive performance.
Regular exercise, even in moderate amounts, can improve memory and cognition. Studies show that exercise, such as cardio workouts, can enhance brain function, particularly in the hippocampus, and improve memory recall and recognition tasks. A longitudinal study of Swedish women found that those who were highly fit in their forties had nine more years of good cognition later in life compared to low or mid-fit women. Exercise also improves mood, body image, and motivation to exercise.
Increasing exercise frequency can lead to greater cognitive benefits. A study involved participants who were already moderately fit and invited them to exercise as much as they wanted at a spin studio, from two to three times a week up to seven times a week, for three months. The results showed that the more participants exercised, the better their mood, lower depression and anxiety levels, and improved hippocampal memory. This study emphasizes that regular exercise, even for those who are already moderately fit, can bring about cognitive enhancements.
Engaging in short daily meditation practices can have multiple positive effects on mental well-being and cognitive function. A study focusing on a ten-minute daily body scan meditation over eight weeks found significant reductions in stress response, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive performance. The practice of focusing on the present moment and cultivating self-awareness during meditation can help individuals counteract anxiety and distractions caused by modern technology. Meditation, along with exercise and sufficient sleep, can effectively enhance attention and overall cognitive function.
My guest is Dr. Wendy Suzuki, Ph.D., Professor of Neural Science and Psychology and (soon) Dean of New York University, whose research focuses on memory, attention, brain plasticity and simple, daily habits that can be leveraged to improve learning, focus, memory and cognitive ability. We discuss the role of cardiovascular exercise, weight training, deliberate cold exposure, meditation, verbal affirmations, sleep, and other behavioral practices for enhancing learning, mood and stress management, and increasing attention span. Dr. Suzuki shares the mechanisms by which these practices change our brain in order to improve cognitive function fast and reduce age-related cognitive decline.
For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.
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(00:00:00) Dr. Wendy Suzuki, Learning & Memory
(00:03:02) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT
(00:07:27) How Memories Form
(00:10:14) Hippocampus: Memory, Association & Imagination
(00:16:20) Encoding Long-Term Memory
(00:18:48) One-Trial Memory
(00:21:56) Tool: Foundational Habits to Enhance Brain Performance
(00:30:39) Exercise & Improved Memory, Making a “Big, Fat, Fluffy Hippocampus”
(00:39:35) Cardiovascular Exercise, BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)
(00:48:48) Neurogenesis (New Neuron Production) in Adults
(00:51:50) Effects of Exercise on Memory
(00:56:31) Tool: Timing Daily Exercise, Cortisol
(01:00:02) Age-Related Memory Loss, Daily Exercise
(01:05:33) Tool: Exercise Protocol for Improving Cognition
(01:12:17) Anticipating Exercise, Daily Habits & Behaviors
(01:17:09) “Every Drop of Sweat Counts” – Exercise & Cognitive Function
(01:20:58) Positive Affirmations & Mood
(01:27:28) Meditation & Cognitive Performance
(01:32:27) How Meditation Works, Focusing on the Present
(01:37:14) Tool: Strategies to Increase Attention
(01:42:50) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous Supplements, Instagram, Twitter, Neural Network Newsletter
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