24/05/2024
”Physical activity actually makes you smarter, gives you better memory, makes you less stressed, and increases your ability to stay focused.” - , renowned psychiatrist and author.
Today, we had the pleasure of hosting Anders Hansen before an audience of over 200 community members, including representatives from academia, industry, and the public sector. Hansen highlighted the fascinating intersection of our ancient brains and modern society.
Key insights:
1. Brain Health:
The hippocampus shrinks 1% per year, but physical activity can prevent this shrinkage and improve memory.
2. Depression and Exercise:
Regular exercise sharpens cognitive function, and protects against mental decline. To see significant effects, engage in high-intensity activities three times a week for at least 25 minutes. Results typically appear after about 5 weeks.
3. Stress and Focus:
Physical activity helps manage stress and improves focus. Hansen discussed how our ancient brains are wired for survival, and how physical activity helps manage stress and enhances concentration.
4. Gamers and Exercise:
A study on League of Legends gamers found that those who exercised for 15 minutes between sessions performed better than those who rested.