Pumping iron not only pumps up the bod but it improves the brain. Who knew?! According to Dr. John J. Rately, movement can help the brain reach its peak efficiency. Showing that physical movement has a multitude of benefits for the entire body. Not only does it strengthen the heart and lungs but also the brain and its functions. So? Well, that shows how it increases creativity, memory, reasoning, attention, motivation, and problem solving. Hmmm…aren’t those the very things we need to be effective writers?
I’m BACK! Nope, not nearly at 100%. When the world dumps on you it can come in droves. It will, hopefully, taper off soon, but until then I am digging out of the massive pile of crap resting on my shoulders. It would go much faster if I could find a bigger shovel. Until then, I will come here and share my time and what I have read with all you lucky people. Let’s do this. Go and dust off your copy of Around the Writer’s Block by Rosanne Bane, pour a cuppa, steal some nibbles from the jar on your neighbors’ desk, and meet me on page 102. I’ll wait. Ready? Awesome.
Now, do you exercise? I’m not gonna judge you. I am simply asking. Okay, let’s discuss why and how exercise can be beneficial to a writer. Yes, it can help the werd nerd. One fact is that it increases blood flow to the brain. Fresh oxygen and glucose pumping through the organ that uses it the most. The brain can use up to 20% of the body’s overall energy. So, feed it properly, which includes the exercise necessary to make it function at its peak.
Exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor, what Dr. Ratey calls, “Miracle-Gro for the brain.” This increases the growth of new neurons and improves their function. The added neurons and their strength work in favor to build learning and memory pathways.
Recovery periods are needed. Yes, you can take a day off. There is a happy medium between exercise and fatigue. You need to stress the body to build its strength, but you can go too far which is why a rest and recovery period is needed. I tend to workout for 3 days and take 1 off. I alternate between the types and stress levels as well. When you workout you effectively break down the muscles to cause them to rebuild stronger and more resilient. The resting period is when this occurs. It works the same with your brain.
Grumpy? Workout. It is a mood booster. It is also a way to remove your physical aggression. I have learned that lesson ten-fold the last few weeks. I have plotted out amazing death scenes for my WIP just these last few days based on anger and energy expelled at the gym. YEA! Steady exercise can relieve some symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders as well. Dopamine levels rise and build the creativity windows of the brain. In turn, this can calm the brain. When there is no obstruction or block, then the brain functions freely and with ease.
My blog has come full circle. If you are bored, you can take a travel back in time through my blog. You will find “Let’s workout” motivational posts and “I don’t sweat I sparkle” images…or not. Medically, I have had many issues and have just recently ventured back into the gym, with limitations, lots of limitations. But I am back and trying. I do have one MAJOR tip. Breathe. Inhale deeply, and release slowly, repeat 5 times. You will be amazed at how alert and good you feel after.
Sorry, that was a lot of gifs but I couldn’t help it.
Until next time…
New Ink. Used Ideas. 