409: Foods and Exercises to Protect Brain Health, Fight Dementia, and Optimize Cognitive Function | Tommy Wood, MD PhD
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Anxiety Management
Managing anxiety is crucial for athletes to optimize performance. explains that athletes require different states to perform at their best, with some needing to calm down while others need to be energized. Techniques such as slow-paced breathing, biofeedback, and routine establishment can help manage anxiety levels 1. Supplements like theanine are also used by some athletes to reduce anxiety, although options are limited due to drug testing requirements 2.
Theanine is something that some of the drivers who get anxious have used, at least a couple. That's probably the one that I would most routinely use.
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These strategies highlight the importance of tailoring anxiety management to individual needs for optimal performance.
Exercise Benefits
Exercise plays a pivotal role in enhancing overall health, with weightlifting being particularly beneficial. emphasizes the importance of lifting weights with sufficient intensity to stimulate muscle adaptation and reduce injury risk 3. He also highlights the significance of maintaining basic movement skills to prevent stiffness and injury, especially as one ages 4.
You're stronger than you think you are, and they've done studies on this showing that novice lifters can do more than they think they can.
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These insights underscore the need for a balanced approach to exercise, focusing on both strength and mobility.
Cognitive Exercise
Specialized exercises like Tai Chi and dancing offer unique cognitive and physical benefits. notes that Tai Chi combines complex coordination with a meditative component, benefiting those at risk of cognitive decline 5. Dancing, with its integration of physical, cognitive, and social elements, is particularly effective in enhancing brain function 6.
Dancing really seems to be quite magical in terms of cognitive function.
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These activities highlight the importance of incorporating diverse exercise forms for holistic health benefits.