Your brain is amazing. Even more amazing? How much it’s fueled by your body. Healthy habits like sleep, eating right, and managing stress all have a big impact on your brain. But there’s one habit above all others that’ll get your gray matter going —and it’s exercise.

Find it hard to make time to workout? Here are 5 steps to help you get moving (and power up your brain).

Simple Steps to Move Your Body & Charge Your Brain

Learn more about the amazing effects exercise has on your brain. Read “Minds at Work” by Marcia Conner for Virgin Pulse. virginpulse.com | marciaconner.com

5ADD IT TO THE AGENDAStay accountable when your day’s

planned around some exercise.

20 min: Time needed on a bike to immediately feel a positive

impact on mood.

1

WORK OUT WHEREVERPacked schedule? Fit in activity

any way you can.

23% Increase in productivity on days people exercise.

2

DO IT DAILYWhen exercise becomes routine,

you’re less inclined to skip out.

10-40 min: Time exercising needed to boost concentration and focus.

3

STEP OUTSIDEExplore the great outdoors if your

workouts start to feel drab.

Exercising outside eases brain fatigue and lowers stress hormones.

4

BUDDY UPIf motivation’s low, a workout

pal’s key for recharging.

Spouses, partners, & family members encourage people to get

and stay healthy.

5

SOURCE: International Journal of Workplace Health Management

SOURCE: Behavior Research and Therapy SOURCE: British Journal of Sports Medicine SOURCE: British Journal of Sports Medicine, BioPsychoSocial Medicine

SOURCE: Preventative Medicine, Health Education Quarterly