The best way to boost your memory, sharpen your focus, and protect your brain as you age is……exercise.
The University of South Australia looked at data from nearly 3-thousand studies – on more than 250-thousand people. And the result was clear: Whether it’s walking, dancing, or even active video games – moving your body boosts your brain.
It improves memory, decision-making, and the ability to focus – across ALL age groups. And for people with ADHD? The benefits were even bigger! They showed greater improvements in executive function after physical activity than any other group! Executive function encompasses focus, planning, problem-solving and managing emotions.
And it doesn’t take much. Just 20 minutes a day of moderate activity – like brisk walking – can lead to meaningful improvements in cognition. Exercise works by increasing the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning – and it can happen in a couple months.
And you don’t have to be a gym rat. Activities like tai chi and exer-games – like Pokémon GO – can be just as powerful! That’s because they challenge your brain and body at the same time.
Bottom line: You don’t need a PhD or a Peloton to boost your brainpower. Just find something you like and move a little every single day.
