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Every morning, my guest on this week\u2019s episode starts her day with 30-minutes of exercise. She knows \u2013 from personal experience backed by scientific research \u2013 that this makes her more focused, happy, motivated, and even creative. She knows it\u2019ll help her grow new brain cells and neural pathways, long into old age. And she wants you to reap all these benefits too.\n\xa0\nDr Wendy Suzuki is a neuroscientist and a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University\u2019s Center for Neural Science. Her 2016 book Healthy Brain, Happy Life is a thought-provoking, life-changing look at the plasticity of the brain \u2013 and the research-based ways we can change it for the better.\n\xa0\nIn our conversation, Wendy shares her realisation that the \u2018bubble bath of feelgood chemicals\u2019 released during movement were having powerful unexpected effects in her brain. And she explains how even just a small amount of exercise creates profound changes in the brain that go much further than simply boosting mood.\n\xa0\nWe talk about the effect exercise had on the hippocampus, the part of the brain critical for long-term memory and imagination, as well as the pre-frontal cortex, responsible for our working, moment-to-moment memory. It\u2019s all inspiring proof that our brains are plastic and can change at any age, and that we can take action to make them healthier, younger and stronger.\n\xa0\nWe also discuss anxiety. Wendy\u2019s latest book, provocatively titled Anxiety Is Your Superpower is all about reframing this \u2018misunderstood emotion\u2019 as a signal designed to protect us. Anxiety and fear levels have certainly risen over the past few years but if we can understand anxiety as part of the fight or flight stress response, says Wendy, we can begin to see it as an evolutionary tool for productivity. The key, she says, is turning a panicked list of \u2018what ifs\u2019 into a practical list of \u2018to dos\u2019.\n\xa0\nWendy explains the detrimental effects of alcohol on brain health, the wonders of meditation and how listening to your favourite piece of music is one of the easiest ways to nourish your brain.\n\xa0\nThis is a practical and inspiring episode that I\u2019m certain will have you taking action immediately.\n\nSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts\xa0https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to\xa0https://fblm.supercast.com.\n\nThanks to our sponsors:\nhttps://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore\nhttps://www.athleticgreens.com/livemore\nhttps://www.calm.com/livemore\n\nShow notes\xa0https://drchatterjee.com/325\n\nDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.