What’s going on inside your brain when you exercise, after you exercise, and what happens when you don’t? These are the questions Dr Brendon Stubbs is trying to resolve with his research. He’s one of the most cited scientists in the world, focusing on the link between physical activity and mental health, the mind-body interface and healthy ageing. Exercise is one of the best ways to beat anxiety and depression and reduce stress, so how much do you need, when and how often?

In this conversation, Brendon explains the phenomenon of the brain ‘lighting up’ after exercise - sometimes called ‘runner’s high’. It can even cause the size of the hippocampus to change - the part of the brain responsible for memory. Brendon shares exciting new research showing exercise can make us smarter, and explains how movement can help defeat brain fog. 

Timecodes:

00:00 - This is your brain on dopamine

02:05 - What happens in the brain when we exercise?

04:25 - How much exercise do I need for mental health?

06:18 - Is aerobic or resistance training better for the brain?

09:02 - Brendon’s scientific study into exercise and cognition

13:35 - Exercise tips for high performers

17:00 - Lack confidence? How to get up and start exercising

19:28 - When Brendon met Novak Djokovic

25:12 - Treatment of mental health conditions

35:02 - Talking therapy vs exercise

39:45 - What happens to the hippocampus when exercising

43:20 - 3 things you can focus on right now

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