Want a sharper mind? Neurologist reveals the ideal amount of exercise for a healthier brain, says 'every drop of sweat counts'
You Might Also Like:
How fast your brain is aging? This simple daily habit might hold the answer
If You're Already Active, Keep Going
No One-Size-Fits-All, But a Clear Direction
You Might Also Like:
Drowning in depression and burnout, millennial employee adopts Gen Z tactic for mental health
While many hit the gym to tone their bodies or shed calories, a growing body of science now urges us to think of exercise as brain food. In a conversation that's gained traction online, renowned neurologist Dr. Wendy Suzuki shared compelling insights on the direct impact of exercise on brain health. Her message is simple yet powerful: "Every drop of sweat counts."Dr. Suzuki, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at New York University, recently appeared on The Diary of a CEO podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett. She later posted a clip of the discussion on Instagram, highlighting one of the most frequent questions she's asked: 'What's the ideal amount of exercise for a better brain?'Drawing on years of research, Dr. Suzuki explained how even moderate aerobic activity can lead to measurable improvements in brain function. Her lab conducted a study involving individuals who had exercised for less than 30 minutes over the past three weeks—essentially, 'low-fit' participants.The participants were asked to engage in a 45-minute aerobic activity, like a spin class, two to three times per week. The outcome? 'Their mood got significantly better, their memory function improved, and their ability to shift and focus attention got significantly better,' Suzuki revealed.These changes are closely tied to the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—two key brain areas involved in memory, focus, and emotional regulation.What about people who already exercise regularly? Dr. Suzuki didn't leave them out. In a follow-up experiment, her team collaborated with another spin studio, offering participants the freedom to work out as often as they liked, up to seven times a week.The findings were striking: 'Basically, every drop of sweat counted,' Suzuki said. Brain scans revealed enhanced function in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, along with noticeable mood improvements.Even those who were already exercising twice a week continued to see cognitive benefits as they increased their activity.While Dr. Suzuki admitted they haven't yet found the perfect 'exercise formula' for maximum brain benefit, the trend is unmistakable. The more consistent the movement, the more powerful the impact on the brain.'I love to leave people with the idea that every drop of sweat counts for building your brain into the big, fat, fluffy brain that you really want,' she said, playfully underscoring the tangible link between physical effort and mental strength.So the next time you lace up your shoes or hop onto a treadmill, remember—you're not just working out your body. You're sculpting a smarter, sharper, and more resilient brain.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Parenting in the age of social media: Tips to stay connected without controlling
Watch out for this parenting mistake that is driving kids to secret social media lives (Image: Pexels) We are bringing up kids in a world where social media is no longer just a place to scroll for fun. It has become a space where identities are shaped. Our children, especially Gen Z, grow up comparing their faces, homes, friends and milestones to strangers and influencers. Their mood, confidence and sense of self can be swayed by a single post or a count of likes. It is not about guarding them from the world but guiding them through it. Trade control for conversation and fear for friendship because in this digital era, genuine connection will always outshine control. The digital landscape has dramatically shifted how children interact, learn and even form identities. Today's parents are navigating uncharted waters, raising children in an age where screens often speak louder than voices and social validation is only a click away. Here is the thing though, they are not clueless. These kids are quick, curious and tech smart. They seem to learn new apps before we have even downloaded them. They do not need tutorials on swiping and clicking. They need guidance on living well while doing it. The challenge? In a research done by University of Central Florida (UCF), the authors Arup Kumar Ghosh (doctoral student) and Pamela Wisniewski (Assistant Professor), University of Central Florida, found that authoritarian parents using control apps saw higher — not lower — teen exposure to online risks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Urologist: Most Muscle Loss in Older Men Starts With This One Mistake primenutritionsecrets Undo Almost 80% of teen app reviews were negative, citing lack of trust and privacy. The study suggested that empowering teens, not restricting them, fosters better digital safety. You're trying to protect your kids online but are you pushing them away instead? (Image: ET) A recent study by Turkish researchers Mehmet Toran, Taibe Kulaksız and Bülent Özden published in Children and Youth Services Review (2024) focussed on how digital parental awareness i.e. a parent's habits, modelling and understanding of digital risks, can make or break their relationship with their child, especially those between 3–6 years old. Using data from 285 parents of young children, the researchers discovered something powerful: it is not just the time you spend with your child that matters but how you spend it digitally. Science confirms that regular outdoor exposure, unstructured play and time in nature boost emotional balance and reduce anxiety even in teens. Research shows that parent-child connectedness is one of the strongest protective factors against online risk. Children mimic what they observe. If you are glued to your phone, replying to emails at dinner or doomscrolling late into the night, your child absorbs that as normal. So, what works instead? According to the researchers, "Parents who manage their own tech use well and involve their children in discussions around digital media create a more trusting, respectful and connected relationship." In essence, your awareness and behaviour around technology mediate the emotional quality of your relationship as it is not enough to just 'limit screen time.' Children are watching us and they learn more from what we do than what we say. Learn to stay involved in your child's digital world without becoming controlling or disconnected. According to the study Parental Monitoring of Early Adolescent Social Technology Use in the US, published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies (2024) , restrictive monitoring is linked to higher adolescent problematic internet use. In contrast, active and deference monitoring that is rooted in trust and closeness, correlate with healthier family relationships and better online behaviour. The more you monitor, the more they hide: How to actually parent in the digital age (Image: TOI) Traditional parental control is limited hence, a shift is advised toward community-driven models, where trusted members can support teens collectively, promoting autonomy, granular privacy and reciprocal engagement. You are then not controlling the behaviour, you are shaping discernment. According to the research paper, Supportive Parenting and Adolescents' Digital Citizenship Behaviors , published in the journal - Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace , parental autonomy support directly promotes online civic engagement, while structured parenting supports self-regulation. Both contribute to stronger digital citizenship in teens. Want to connect more deeply with your child in a digital-first world? Start with yourself. Put the phone down during play or meals. Co-watch their favourite shows and ask questions. Discuss online risks as a team, not as a punishment. Let them see you unplug, read, cook or just be present. When children feel seen, heard and valued offline, they are less likely to seek excessive validation online. According to studies, the most effective approach to digital parenting is active, supportive engagement — not restrictive control. Tools and strategies that foster dialogue, transparency and autonomy help teens navigate online spaces wisely and confidently.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Experts warn of 'AI psychosis' in Gen Z and Gen Alpha
-In today's fast-paced world, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are turning to Al chatbots for comfort and companionship, risking a loss of real social connection. This 'AI psychosis' blurs the line between reality and virtual Interaction. Experts warn this reliance may signal deeper loneliness and a new coping method in an emotionally overwhelming world. Turning to AI for comfort in moments of stress. A comforting, controlled space "Gen Z and Gen Alpha have grown up in a hyper-digital world where technology is deeply woven into their daily lives. They are naturally inclined to turn to AI chatbots because these platforms are available 24/7. offer instant responses, and are perceived as non-judgmental," says Arpita Kohli, clinical psychologist, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi. AI offers a kind of emotional safety that some may lack in human relationships, especially those with trauma or social anxiety. "Such users might struggle with emotional vulnerability in the real world simply because they become more comfortable with the predictability of chatbot conversations," adds Arpita. Awareness and balance Growing dependence on AI needs thoughtful attention. Dr Shankar recommends ethical AI design that encourages offline connections and calls for digital well-being policies to support healthier use. 'We don't need to eliminate Al in emotional spaces, but we must ensure it supplements and not substitutes human connectivity,' says Dr Pavitra Shankar, associate consultant, Psychiatry, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, and shares some useful tips to avoid overdependence on AI. TIPS: Be emotionally aware: AI cannot truly empathise, so prioritise human interaction to process emotions. Limit AI use for emotional support: When distressed, talk to someone you trust instead of turning to chatbots. Engage in offline activities: Step away from screens regularly. Join clubs, events, or volunteer work to build real-world bonds. Practice digital detoxing: Plan regular time away from devices to reduce emotional reliance on AI Strengthen human bonds: Let AI support but not replace real-world relationships. (Written by: Richa Singh)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Doc, I want to look like my selfie
A 14-year-old girl recently approached cosmetic surgeon Dr Debraj Shome with her selfie and a request: 'a pout' like in her photo, something she generated using a lip-enhancing photo filter on Instagram. Dr Shome denied the request as patients below the age of 18 need parental consent and recommended therapy instead. 'She was annoyed,' says Dr Shome. 'Her boyfriend also wanted the look, she said, and told me she had 30,000 rupees for the procedure.' She later went on to write a caustic review of the doctor online. There was a time when patients approached cosmetic surgeons with requests to look like celebrities. But now, many come with their own selfies with filters applied – where the skin is smooth, jawlines unnaturally sharp, and facial proportions altered beyond biological feasibility, the latest being the 'upturned upper lip,' says Chennai-based regenerative medicine specialist Dr Chandan A. 'A third of my clients are men,' he says. Such is the power of filters that Dr Shome recently did a study on their effect on youngsters. 'We realised there was a growing psychological disconnect between real and virtual self-perception, and very little data in the Indian context,' says Dr Shome, founder of The Esthetics Clinic. The study found that posting edited selfies on social media, especially with AI filters, worsened people's self-image, driving them to approach cosmetic surgeons with requests for the filtered look in real life. Women and Gen Z reported higher impact on confidence and interest in surgery, says the study, which was published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in December 2019. It also showed filtered selfies created unattainable beauty standards that deeply affected mood, self-esteem, and real-world identity. 'It echoed what we see in the clinic every week, which is young people tying self-worth to their digital selves,' says Dr Shome. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai He adds that selfies with filters may lead to a 'perception drift', wherein someone gets so used to the edited version that their sense of self gradually drifts from the original. 'For example, someone with a wheatish complexion always uses a fairness filter when posing selfies, and over time, their brain gets rewired. They expect the face to look fairer in the mirror, but the skin colour has not really changed. This causes a false sense of self, which may lead to body dysmorphia. ' Such people end up in cosmetic surgeons' clinics. But then, achieving the look isn't easy. 'Social media has filters that blur the pores and blemishes with a single click, which is not possible in real life,' says Dr Sasikumar Muthu, plastic and cosmetic surgeon and founder of PearlHealth Clinic in Chennai. 'Once the idea gets into their head, they just want to somehow achieve the look. I've been in this field for more than 15 years, and the cases have considerably increased after phone camera filters became popular. Children as young as 13 come in with these requests, and the parents indulge them. I send them away at the consultation stage itself. As cosmetic surgeons, generally, we believe that the more we say no, the better for the patient. We don't operate unless the patient is fit for a procedure mentally and medically, and usually only if there is natural deformity or one caused by injury or illness.' Women ask for sculpted bodies with a slim waistline, smooth skin, and plumper lips. Men generally look for sharp jawlines and hair transplants. Some want entire facial features altered according to filters, says Dr Sasi. But the bone cage is what gives the shape to body parts, which is augmented by soft tissue, and altering it will lead to more complications, he says. While some among Gen Z, such as 21-year-old Ahaana R, a copywriter from Chennai, feel that looking up to one's own refined image rather than that of a celebrity is a positive shift, there could be larger consequences on self-esteem due to the perception drift, says Dr Shome. 'The person starts worrying that people may not like the real person vs the one on Instagram. At the ages of 12 and 13, the neural connections of the brain have not completely formed yet. They live in a world where likes = worth, and where AI filters have blurred the line between aspiration and reality. The brain is a neuroplastic organ, which means it can be moulded. By constantly scrolling and seeing themselves and others look unrealistic all the time, we might be creating long-term changes in the way the neural circuitry behaves. Cosmetic surgery is a medical decision, not an emotional or trend-based one.' Filters are adding to body dysmorphia, and more young adults have developed self-doubt over the shape and size of their face and try for correction surgeries, says S Vandhana, clinical psychologist. 'Patients are rarely satisfied with just one, and will keep going back for more. Self-esteem forms in childhood, and issues develop following comments about features, which can lead to depression and anxiety. It's time we created awareness about body dysmorphia.' **Tell, don't show, says France** To address the potential negative psychological effects of manipulated images on viewers, particularly young people, France is considering a law that would require social media influencers to disclose when they use filters or retouch photos. This proposed law also aims to prohibit influencers from promoting cosmetic surgery. **In demand** - Rhinoplasty, driven largely by how noses appear in selfies, which distort angles - Lip fillers and jawline contouring, especially among young women - Under-eye rejuvenation, to remove 'tiredness' filters often erase - Skin polishing and laser facials inspired by smooth-skin filters Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
