The Impact of Running on Your Brain

TLDRRunning affects the brain in various ways, contrary to popular belief. Endorphins cannot enter the brain, but running can still give runners high. Running promotes the growth of new brain cells. It also improves learning, memory, and focus by increasing the production of BDNF. Additionally, running improves the blood supply to the brain, preventing age-related cognitive decline. Running in the morning and running for at least 30 minutes can provide optimal cognitive benefits.

Key insights

🏃Running can give runners high, even though endorphins cannot enter the brain.

🧠Running promotes the growth of new brain cells and improves learning, memory, and focus.

🩺Running increases the production of BDNF, known as the 'Miracle Grow' of the brain.

💨Running improves the blood supply to the brain, preventing age-related cognitive decline.

🕒Running in the morning and running for at least 30 minutes can provide optimal cognitive benefits.

Q&A

Can running improve my memory and focus?

Yes, running promotes the growth of new brain cells and increases the production of BDNF, which improves learning, memory, and focus.

Can running prevent age-related cognitive decline?

Yes, running improves the blood supply to the brain, which can prevent age-related cognitive decline.

How long should I run to reap the cognitive benefits?

Running for at least 30 minutes can provide optimal cognitive benefits.

Is it better to run in the morning or evening?

Running in the morning can help leverage the cognitive impacts of running, especially on learning and memory.

Can other forms of aerobic exercise have similar cognitive benefits?

Yes, any aerobic exercise, such as rowing or cycling, can have similar cognitive benefits.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Contrary to popular belief, running has various impacts on the brain.

04:00Endorphins cannot enter the brain, but running can still give runners high through a different mechanism.

10:00Running promotes the growth of new brain cells and improves learning, memory, and focus by increasing the production of BDNF.

13:00Running improves the blood supply to the brain, preventing age-related cognitive decline.

14:00Running in the morning and running for at least 30 minutes can provide optimal cognitive benefits.