Exercise to Increase Alertness and Support Brain Plasticity

Use exercise involving the large muscles of the body, especially the legs and trunk, to stimulate adrenaline release and vagal signaling that increases alertness, motivation, and readiness for physical or cognitive work. Examples given include light calisthenics, a few minutes of treadmill walking progressing a bit faster, jumping, resistance training, and running. Exercise is also framed as a way to improve brain function and plasticity.