Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

We too often hear that sustenance of a healthy mind is highly dependent on its encompassing physical body. Despite the frequency of repetition in this statement, too many of us ignore the potentially detrimental consequences of physical inactivity/inability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Tonight, I don't have much to write except to promote exercise and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. The idea for this blog occurred to me earlier today when I came across a scientific research study that demonstrated the effect of running on the generation of new neurons within the brain of mice, suggesting that exercise could alter brain structure in a beneficial manner. Perhaps it's an overstretch, but I seem to associate "mind" with "brain". In that regard, the aforementioned study would provide scientific evidence for the positive effects of physical activity on the mind. In addition to changes within the brain anatomy, exercise has been shown to change mood by increasing the levels of various neurotransmitters associated with a feeling of joy and euphoria. Further, exercise could act as an anti-depressant, reduce stress and anxiety, and elevate productivity. It goes without saying that all of the effects of exercise on brain/behavioral function are, of course, accompanied with its effects on the physical body- all of which we are all too familiar with, and a subject not within the scope of this blog. My goal here is simply to promote physical activity as a means to maintain a healthy lifestyle and thus a more relaxed, optimistic, and sharp mind.