Our life is shaped by our mind, we become what we think.
Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves. – Buddha
It was only 10,000 years that we were roaming the earth as hunter and gatherers. Constantly moving from place to place for survival, searching for food and the on-the go from 10-14 miles a day – our brains began to evolve. Movement helped develop our prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain where we think and establish cognitive behaviors).
Simply put - we were born to move, baby.
“That which we call thinking is the evolutionary internalization of movement.” (Llinas, 2001)
Let’s fast forward to 2021. Shall we?
1 in 4 American adults spends more than 8 hours sitting.
44% report no moderate to vigorous activity AT ALL weekly.
40% of Americans don’t meet the suggested minimum of 2.5 hours of moderate activity weekly.
In 2019, globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffered from depression.
Shocked? Well, it’s understandable the advancement of technology produces more and more “sitting” jobs, everyday. I also don’t think that most people are out hunting cows for their next double cheeseburger.
But, if our brains develop by movement and our thoughts develop from our brain than for human civilization to progress – we need to get moving!
Innovation, ideas, friendship, love, connection – all that gives our lives meaning and all that ignites that inner spark – stems from our thoughts and our mind.
It makes us smarter. It gives us connection.
Other benefits of exercise on the brain:
Regular exercise boosts your mood and helps with depression.
Sharpens memory and thinking
Stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related decline.
Feel good endorphins make you feel better and help you concentrate.
The body moves,
thoughts move,
life moves.