The #1 way to strengthen your mind is to use your body | Wendy Suzuki
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 2 май 2024
- Exercise gives your brain a “bubble bath of neurochemicals,” says Wendy Suzuki, a professor of neural science.
Subscribe to Big Think on RUclips ► / @bigthink
Up next, Forensic accountant explains why fraud thrives on Wall Street
► • Forensic accountant ex...
Exercise can have surprisingly transformative impacts on the brain, according neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. It has the power not only to boost mood and focus due to the increase in neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, but also contributes to long-term brain health. Exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells, particularly in the hippocampus, improving long-term memory and increasing its volume. Suzuki notes that you don’t have to become a marathon runner to obtain these benefits - even just 10 minutes of walking per day can have noticeable benefits. It just takes a bit of willpower and experimentation.
0:00 My exercise epiphany
1:35 What is “runner’s high”?
2:40 The hippocampus & prefrontal cortex
3:32 Neuroplasticity: It’s never too late to move your body
Read the video transcript ► bigthink.com/series/the-big-t...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Wendy Suzuki:
Dr. Wendy A. Suzuki is a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at New York University. She received her undergraduate degree in Physiology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Berkeley in 1987, studying with Prof. Marion C. Diamond, a leader in the field of brain plasticity. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from U.C. San Diego in 1993 and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health before accepting her faculty position at New York University in 1998. Dr. Suzuki is author of the book Healthy Brain, Happy Life: A Personal Program to Activate Your Brain and Do Everything Better.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read more of our stories on exercise:
The most damaging exercise myth
► bigthink.com/health/most-dama...
No pain, no gain? Science debunks yet another exercise myth
► bigthink.com/the-learning-cur...
In the West, yoga is exercise. In the East, it is something much bigger
► bigthink.com/thinking/yoga-hi...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Big Think | Smarter Faster™
► Big Think
Our mission is to make you smarter, faster. Watch interviews with the world’s biggest thinkers on science, philosophy, business, and more.
► Big Think+
Looking to ignite a learning culture at your company? Prepare your workforce for the future with educational courses from the world’s biggest thinkers. Trusted by Ford, Marriot, Bank of America, and many more. Learn how Big Think+ can empower your people today: bigthink.com/plus/?...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Want more Big Think?
► Daily editorial features: bigthink.com/?...
► Get the best of Big Think right to your inbox: bigthink.com/subscribe/?...
► Facebook: bigth.ink/facebook/
► Instagram: bigth.ink/Instagram/
► Twitter: bigth.ink/twitter/
If you ever feel like you want to achieve something in life, exercise should be your first stepping stone, and it doesn't even matter what it is you want to achieve. Regular exercise makes everything else feel easier, because everything you do is done through your mind and body. Of curse there's also the added benefit that it makes you look more attractive, and who doesn't want that?!
You are right. Physical exercise will help you in every domain in life. There are no boundaries.
Lazy people
@@Kaizen747 Tell that to the person doesn't even take the first step
@@melllojelllo First rule of exercise: do whatever you think is fun! Playing sports is exercise, doing martial arts is exercise, dancing is exercise, and it all counts. The whole secret to being consistent, is to make sure it doesn't feel like a chore. Mind you, that doesn't mean it shouldn't be hard work, good exercise should push your limits and make you feel (good) tired, it just shouldn't be boring as well.
agree 10000%
Many people don't realize it until it's too late, but your body is a temple. Treat it with respect and honour it and you will be rewarded with health and longevity.
How the KING treating you?
BURGER KING THAT IS. lmao!!!
It's never to late.
For 30 years I have gone through so many transitions... Career changes, divorce, loss of child, care of an aging parent, death of my father, business loss, court battles, attacked randomly in the street... Just hell... Nothing unusual... People go through it. But I never stopped swimming, walking, running, weights, yoga, stretches... I am alive only because of the physical discipline.
You’re brave! Prayers for you! Good bless you always!
I wish I had learned this sooner. Its not too late tho, since Im in my 30’s. But I wish I had learned to take care of my physical fitness when I was younger. Pretty sure my life would have been much more different
Similar story here. I think the only reaaon I didn't delete myself from the board is because of working out.
@@lalailmMan it's never to late.
Respect to u
I'm just intrigued by this lady's contagious smile and all the positivity she is shining all over the screen. I can instantly tell how passionate she is and how much her research has changed her life and her mood overall, which makes her statement so convincing.
I agree, she's very charismatic. It's like you immediately want to have a coffee with her or go on a hike together
Reminds me of how Brian Cox smiles and lights up talking about quantum physics.
Totally can envision her doing the Mrs Doubtfire cleaning regiment
Feels like when you're talking about your project to a friend.🥲
Yes, surefire way of judging scientific validity…if someone is agreeable and pleasant then the research conclusions are self evidently true.
So David Goggins on his way to becoming Professor X
🤣
LMFAO 😂😂
No, he works out too much
Bro David goggins crack airforce and neavy seal exam it's not easy for ordinary people
One thing that i got from this is that I'd like to be paid to study. If I get that I'd be one happy individual
Getting in shape for me was the first thing in my life that showed me what discipline can do. What slowly working on something can do. And how your attitude and mindset make so much of a difference on how long it will take. It is like the greatest way to find out things about yourself - observing all the bad habits you tend to do and how excuse filled your mindset is when it comes to something that is going to take about a year minimum to see results you want. Then you start to apply that concept to everything else.
It was almost my brains first introduction to the concept of engineering in a sense and how it applies to so many things my brain didn't see before. What I mean is that, after you make your goal clear and research it, you know EXACTLY what you have to do to achieve your goal. For me it was workout 4 days a week, hit my macros, and if I simply just keep that up, it's basically impossible to not achieve the body I want in a year or two.
But just because you know exactly what you have to do doesn't mean you'll stick to it. From there you have to engineer your fitness journey based on your pre-existing lazy brain. I'm a music nerd, so I bought very great quality headphones which allowed me to hear my favorite music all over again for the first time. But, I made myself go to the gym before I could listen to the album. Then I made my post-workout meal this ritual that was fun and delicious. Things like that.
And before you know it, boom. It truly does just become this way of life. I'm a lot mentally and physically healthier now through changing little things here and there and letting them build up.
I’m in the same situation as you! Keep up the good work!
Couldnt agree more! Well done! Keep it up 😊
The point of this video is to demonstrate how healthy exercise is for the mind, and you’re talking about attaining a dream body. Your fulfillment is completely based on external factors including societal conditioning based off of superficial and subjective definitions of what a desirable body is. Good for you for attaining what you set out, I agree discipline is a marvel. But, discipline with healthy and sustainable intentions will last longer than a “dream body” and “results.” I had this mentality and progressively pushed myself to the point of orthorexia and injuries. I’m not in that same place now. I’m still active, my diet is beautifully varied, and I’m healthy but it took caring about things far deeper and more meaningful than a “dream body.”
@@PrincessOfTheYewok professor
@@PrincessOfTheYew you need to chill. How are you going to tell someone how they should interpret the video and then go on to tell them that their aspirations are invalid and essentially meaningless. Im sorry you had an unhealthy relationship with food and your body, and its great to hear that you have recovered but dont shit on someone elses journey with your pretentious ramblings. No one asked you.
I couldn’t agree with this video more. I’ve been consistently training 5-6 days a week for around 4 years. Looking back at the growth it’s far more that purely physically, my mindset has grown, ability to focus increased, ability to remember is better, I can face challenge with confidence in any area of life, I’m more creative, learning new things is less intimidating, talking and creating connections with new people is easier. That’s is only a few benefits off the top of my head, so to ANYONE who is looking to be a better, happier more intelligent version of yourself, start consistent exercise and I promise you won’t regret it.
Don't do it to save the planet, walk and bicycle to save your own hippocampus!
5:49 Golden statement here -
*_'Be more broad in your definition'_*
The key to imbibe happiness lying around us
I caught that too!
I liked how she said, "Be more broad in your definition of bringing more movement into your life". Exercise doesn't have to be this cookie cutter movement we all have to follow. I think a lot of people get it twisted that exercise and movement needs to be this hard structured thing when in reality it's just as simple as parking a little farther
Really depends on your over arching goals
At work I purposely (purposefully?) move a lot for this reason. Not only is there lots to do and I am proactive, but setting stuff up, cleaning, organizing, etc adds up throughout the day. I also don’t begrudge the opportunity to walk a distance to get something instead of asking someone else to bring it on their way. I have a body, and I feel good when I move it.
Yes the reason we integrate exercise into our otherwise normal life is just because modern amenities has taken it out as a necessity to move our body enough. That's all. So we need to mindfully re-introduce it into our daily routine so that we move a little as is supposed to be done naturally as a human.
Exercise doesn't have to be easy
Or getting off the elevator 3 floors down.
In a mere two minutes after watching this video, I felt a surge of motivation coursing through me. Those once-neglected shoes, gathering dust for weeks, suddenly found purpose as I laced them up for a run until I went breathless!
What a powerfully genuine impact she made with her words! Her contagious smile and the unwavering authenticity of her research shattered my excuses.Thank you! Now, I yearn to keep this momentum going, and as I write these words, I can already feel the euphoria of a runner's high.
It's amazing how a single moment can redefine our path and push us toward a positive change. I urge all of you to seek out that source of motivation, that driving force capable of awakening the dormant achiever within you.
I am grateful. And I will continue to rewire my brain.
Bro, are you high?
@@TheNuclearBolton this is the first time I am legally permitted to respond with a YES!
@@fugly_rascal still going?
@@TheNuclearBolton : He's HIGH in LIFE. Guaranteed WAY MORE HAPPIER than You. LMAO.
one of the best quotes i heard and still live by to this day is from an anime called fullmetal alchemist by izumi curtis: "to train the mind, you must first train your body"
Idk how to explain it but after each running and boxing session i feel more confident, happy and social.
Whenever i am feeling low i will go running or walking and when i come home I'll be feeling better and happier, my journal can confirm this.
Exercise under morning sun = the best way
Just got back from the gym after a month and a half of not going and i've been quickly reminded of how great I feel after a good workout. This kind of mood makes you feel like you can do anything.
2 months in training post injuries and I’m already feeling changes as big as a hippo in my campus 💪🏻🗿📈
Lmao
Haha
I struggled with depression and anxiety consistently for years. I was on medications on and off and they never worked for me; I felt like I was just broken and helpless. But I started exercising about 6 months ago and I've noticed a large leap in my mood and I feel I'm finally living for the first time in my life. Nothing beats hopelessness like the self efficacy I've gained from getting stronger. I used to discount people who told me to "just exercise" because as a depressed person, it feels like nothing will work. Getting the ball rolling is the most difficult part, but once you do that you make a positive feedback loop that makes you hungry to move more! When I run, it feel like my brain goes quiet and I can take anything. You just feel like you can do anything.
If you are someone who is going through it mentally, I highly recommend moving as much as you can. I was highly skeptical at first of how much of it would help me and it's changed my life. This is a very good piece, thank you Wendy Suzuki!
Thank you for sharing your story, I hope it will find its way to someone in need!
Absolutely! Exercise is indeed essential for a well-balanced body and mind, but it's crucial to recognize that achieving overall balance involves various factors. The complexity of our body and brain requires attention to sleep, nutrition, social interactions, mindfulness, compassion, and many other external influences that impact our biochemistry and well-being.
Well said 😊
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:31 🧠 Exercise positively impacts memory, especially in the hippocampus, promoting new brain cell growth through neurochemicals and growth factors.
02:09 😄 Physical activity releases mood-boosting neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and endorphins.
03:10 🌱 Exercise fosters brain plasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and change its wiring even after a sedentary period.
04:13 🏃 Start small, engage in enjoyable activities, and experience immediate mood and anxiety benefits from increased movement.
05:17 💡 Incorporating playful exercises into daily tasks can effectively introduce more physical activity into your routine.
Made with HARPA AI
Thanks 😊
Hey thank you, can you please explain me how to do that to to use this AI (with every other Video i like).
I never ever had imagined the difference consistent exercise was going to make. I mean yeah, I did know that I would build muscle and all that, but I simply didn't anticipate the mental health benefits. It's magical.
Please bring her back for more content. She is pure joy.
I just love Wendy Suzuki! She is sooo lively and she is so interested and enthusiastic in her area of research and it is not limited to that but expanding her knowledge to the more general common people who are not aware about the brain changing effects of exercise. I saw some for her lectures uploaded on RUclips and I didn't even had to watch but it was so amazing to see her teach so enthusiastically that I watched some of her lectures completely!
Makes perfect sense to me. The body and mind are connected, so if you care for the body you care for the mind….and the mind is the brain.
I love the fact, that when I started to literally build upon small, constantly add on, and exercise, simulstaneously other people started to share similar stuff.
Her ted talk is equally enthusiastic!
I never thought of it this way.
After reflecting on my life the past 15-20 years, I realized that every tipping point of a major drastic changes in career or life decision, the confidence in taking the risk, the adaptability of the challenges that come with it, all were preceded by perhaps a month or two of consistent exercise -- either running once around a block to 10k, swimming a for 10 mins to 40 laps, or using free weights from 4kg to 24 kg all on a weekly basis.
Now as a work from home dad and a house husband, I realized that most my inspirational ideas and motivation for networking/collaboration comes from the activity of dancing and grooving to the music while washing dishes, vacuuming, and doing laundry.
Wow👍👍👍
“I don’t want a nation of thinkers, but a nation of workers.” Some overly rich dude who funded your education. Fight it, work out, eat healthy, do long term thinking with present action. Day by day. We all have great capacity.
Exercise has the power to recover a brain that has suffered a stroke (recovering speech through movement for example). The only way to signal your organism that you want to live is using your body in all it's capacity. the key to youthfulness is youthful movement, not thinking you're a child. Use the muscles you've been given and reap the benefits!
This Means Exercise is a fuel for mind and also for body
I am delighted to hear you Dr Suzuki. I graduated in the same subject as you. Worked closely with psychiatrists n some medicines too. I am great admirer of your work.
When I stop exercising I got dumb. Literally
Thats possible if you're surrounded by negativity and pessimism. Itll bring you down. Exercise staves it off.
"And that is what brought me to the gym" 💪
I've trained taekwondo for 8 years and I felt that improvement, and more actually. I realized that you can learn new things for your mind and emotions, with your body. We're not dissociated. And I really grew up, it was a huge adding to my psychotherapy.
Yes I feel the same. Improvements in my fitness and sports make learning easier.
I appreciate the content of this video! Hi, I am a pre-med student with aspirations of becoming a neurologist and I can relate to feeling burnt out and lethargic. However, I managed to make some changes in my lifestyle which helped me immensely. It's amazing how the brain can change and adapt. Exercise not only helps us stay in shape but also helps our brains think differently.
IDr Suzuki you are surely great example of how exercise can even make you be joyful, I really enjoyed your video, and great personality you have , so genuine ! 🙏🙏🙏🙌🏻
I like how this woman is spreading a beautiful energy, I guess exercise is really the key of a good mental health
Thanks for bringing this knowledge forward. I have used dance lessons on RUclips, to get myself out of depression, and lose a lot of overweight.
Congratulations and Respect for you🙏❤
This is so profound because it brings everything together for me. One of the key ingredient for a meaningful life is EMOTIONAL FITNESS, and EXERCISE is at the core of It. Thanks a lot for sharing this ❤️❤️❤️
I started hitting the gym right before 2020 dropped 101 pounds. Now at 49 I felt confident enough to go back to college and I feel the gym and weight loss is helping me with a much sharper mind.
On the theme of “personal experimentation “ - I’ve been a runner and lifted weights all my life! But after watching your video, I started consciously giving my brain a bubble bath during the run. The result was fantastic!
this is really true. I've being running for 4 years now and it has been transformational , from a state of sendary depressive state to a more engagaed someone. i now want to learn something new, like swimming or weight lifing.🙂🤞🤞
Love this woman. 😊 Thank you Dr. Wendy Suzuki for this wonderful insight into the workings of the human brain 🧠 🙏
What a fantastic and concise video! Great summation of the benefits of movement. 👏🏼
I love this message. And I love this lady. She reminds me of every loud yet well-intentioned New York mom who tells it like it is. 🥰 I’m shy and introverted so I loooved being around those kind of ladies growing up. ❤
I've been working out for 38 years and telling people that both mind and body need regular exercise for decades, and a generally healthy diet is paramount as well. But I'm just an old retired soldier, so most people don't want to hear it from me.
I being working out since I became part of the Military family, is a life style now and you’re right it doesn’t have to be Marathons quality ,staying active will make you feel amazing overall.
I've been thinking about this topic for a while now so this was a great video! This lady's energy and knowledge is so fun and cool ✨️
I really like the way she shares her thoughts, easy to understand and impressive, well done
I do know exercise is important after TBI's !
Thank you for sharing your positive message Dr. Suzuki!
Honestly I don't go to gym for building muscles. I just love the focus I have throughout the day, after a good gym workout. It's different than coffee- calm, soothing.
Love this message. Movement really is Life. Thank you
It’s called newbie gains
After years of ‘thinking with my body’ I realise those first years felt like I’m getting smarter every workout, but now it’s just a way to engage in thought.
Walking is also very very beneficial!
Cool. I watched her TED talk some years ago. It was very fascinating and also nice to hear as a runner.
Great advice! I study Data Science and Neuroscience, and do both resistance training and running, and it's great!
Wow, I love listening to people who are truly passionate about what they are talking about, like Wendy
Dr. Suzuki, you are so right on!!!
I love your video, your energy and enthusiasm
I didn't know about that. this is is marvelous! Thank you for amazing insight!
I just wanted to say that I absolutely loved your video! It was incredibly well-made and entertaining. You did a fantastic job, and I'm a huge fan of your content!"
I love the idea of turning household chores into a workout. Build exercise into the activities you already do.
Hi Big Think, MORE VIDEOS from Professor Suzuki PLEASE!
Great advice. Thank you!
I love the advice of doing another round of shopping with the cart in Costco. So simple and beneficial.
From now on, I will do one round of putting half of the items I need in my cart and do a 2nd round to get the other half.
Just have to make sure I don't stop by the food area and get a hot dog lol
Thank you for making these videos this channels given me a lot of insight over the past couple months
I love Wendy’s vibrant and lively energy! It’s so inspiring
Excellent advice, especially about starting small. There are many alternatives to a gym. Exercise gives you a new life, energy, positive self image etc.
13x Ironman finisher here! Prior to that, a decade of competitive gymnastics, point ballet, and lots of bike rides as a kid. I’m retired and am a disabled athlete now. I love Pilates, short walks to the duck pond with my service dog, and my cruiser bike. I have advanced degenerative spine and have had to make some significant adaptations including loss of career but movement is still a major part of my wellness. Without my athletic background, I don’t think I would have been able to handle the challenges associated with being disabled in this society.
I agree with her points about exercise. I've been lifting weights and riding bikes for years and one of the main reasons I do it is because of the "high"--in addition to the physical health benefits. I also ride motorcycles which has the same effect. In both you go into a purely experiential mode I liken to meditation. You're not really thinking about or dwelling on anything for too long, just watching the world go by.
I love the energy! Thanks!
When you treat your body well, all of the bodily functions are benefitted. This can be a result of a multitude of variables. This video is making it MORE COMPLICATED than it actually is.
Meditation is exactly this. Train your body to sit still- while focusing on you breathing. Trains the mind and body connection.
Love it. Thank you. I’m on the right path! ❤
Sadly to say its quit awhile since my last exercised and I think I need to lend on time for it and include in my busy schedule🥰
I love her energy and passion.
I am super confident in this type of thing, especially with exercise increasing neuroplasticity, I'm very confident it works in other areas too, and that exercise can help act as a foundation to grow neuroplasticity. It's like the hippocampus is given the potential to grow, then you need to choose how those brain cells grow and what they do. For example, learning a language, or using and applying it to a passion you have already.
You're so smart, thank you for sharing your findings!
This is by no means new information but it's incredibly well presented and with such enthusiasm. Professor Suzuki has done a brilliant job. I feel like sending this video to everyone I know 😄
I always thought a hippocampus was like where hippos go to school. Live and learn. Thanks BigThink!!!
This is good advice. Thanks professor 👍🏻
Excellent advice!
For anyone watching this video - this lady did a terrific TED talk a few years ago, available on here! I recognised her smile and enthusiasm before I twigged that it was the same lady! 👍🏻😊
Extraordinary video. Thank you Dr ❤
Great info!! 🙏
Her research looks pretty good. It does reflect the old adage "healthy body, healthy mind". I like her work regarding exercise and positive affirmations to treat traumatic brain injury and have always considered neuroplasticity as an element in my education.
Excellent presentation
Hello Windy!! You need a you tube channel asap!!! You have the "It factor" to grown a channel & the knowledge to provide exceptional scientific information that citizens need & most important WANT. 🧐💪
Beautiful!!! I love to exercise... now even more 😇
Thanks for our work !
Sincerely.
Thanks for sharing. ❤
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful amount of knowledge based in the real sources ... so i will share to everyone .😇😜🥰
I really loved this lady's enthusiasm while she was talking about this
I've found that love for lifting and getting stronger along with jogging and it does help the mind along the way.
We experienced the peak of our era, and now it is gone. Recession is tanking everything including 401K. After the pandemic, things became extremely difficult, which is precisely when I sought a Financial advisor. I've been investing with the help of my FA for nearly a year and have built up a stagnant reserve of $180K to $570K in just over 11 months.
My retirement equities portfolio of $750K is in the reds. I keep losing because of inflation. This world will fall to the corrupt rulers in the same way that Rome did. I'm sorry if you're thinking about retiring and you're worried that your pension won't be enough to meet the rising cost of living. Horrible foreign policies everywhere, bad regulatory policy, bad fiscal policy, and bad energy policy.
I'm concerned about the future and where we're all going, particularly in terms of money and how to get by. I'm thinking about making my first investment, but how can I do so when the market has been in shambles for the majority of the year? Who is your FA?
My Financial adviser is Joseph Sylvan Anderson, he’s highly qualified and experienced in the financial market. he has extensive knowledge of portfolio diversity and is considered an expert in the field. I recommend researching his credentials further. he has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market
I'm glad I came across this today because I'm writing to Joseph Sylvan Anderson right now. I sincerely hope he can assist me.
I received assistance from Sir Joseph Sylvan Anderson, and I profited handsomely from my investment. But in the end, it all comes down to how much money you invest. You might be able to earn more if you have a sizable start-up budget.
Running has helped my level of long periods of focus and memory and has also changed my life overall 🙏🏽
Love this info and I would recommend the interview she did with Andrew Huberman! Her enthusiasm is contagious! Excellent video!
5:37 I've always thought i was a nerd for dancing every morning while cleaning and getting dressed, but those are always my best days! Just dance.
Thx for sharing these helpful tips!
I do go for long walks with my dog, work out everyday and meditate twice a day to improve my brains neuroplasticity.
And of course to have a strong, enduring and great looking physique. At the age of 40 I’ve never felt or looked better than I do now.
Having ADHD, medicated for it as well, I really need to do all these things to feel good and function properly.
I can understand, me too
The interesting thing about exercise is the benefits keep coming over time. Setting realistic goals helps to get going initially, but eventually it becomes natural to move forward.