Did you know that just three months of consistent exercise can boost your brain function? Exercise neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki explains how working out can strengthen your cognitive abilities.

According to Suzuki, even just ten minutes of walking can alleviate anxiety and depression because of the neurochemicals released during exercise. She shares a study that indicated people who were previously sedentary experienced notable improvements in their baseline mood, prefrontal function, and hippocampal function with only 2-3 exercise sessions per week.

If you’re already exercising, don’t worry — you’re still able to reap these benefits! Suzuki believes increasing the intensity of your preexisting workouts only further boosts the benefits for your brain. Just don’t go overboard, she says, because that can hurt you more than help you.