Exercise has numerous benefits for mood and brain function. It increases neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin which improve mood and reduce stress and depression. Regular exercise also increases blood flow to the brain, boosts concentration, and stimulates growth of neurons and neural connections. Studies show those who exercise regularly have lower risks of cognitive decline and dementia as they age.

1. The Brain & Exercise Connection A mood altering, uplifting, and life changing thing…. What is it? You guessed it… E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E!

2. This video is intended to get your mind working… (disregard the cyclist statement at the end it’s just a good awareness jolt for concentration) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4

13. Click on the link below to see the beginning stages of getting motivated for exercise! (To break the ice a little) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPc137Wukww

24. Optical Illusions

26. Here is a motivational clip to get you moving! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiEbYSee3KI

27. Annotated Bibliography Boeree, George C. Dr. (2003-2009). General Psychology – Neurotransmitters. Retrieved January 16, 2010 from h ttp://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/genpsyneurotransmitter.html This website was very helpful for teaching people about what the job of a neurotransmitter is. This website was a solid basis for any psychology student to refresh their mind on the different terminology that a field like this has. Endorphins Return, Fly Too. (25 May 2010). Retrieved January 16, 2010 from http://glassrocklife.com/?p=2907 This website wasn’t used for a whole lot of information. It was more a basis of a good endorphin quote and a couple of great references to endorphins in our lives. Evans, Simon. (2010) Physical Fitness Improves Brain Health. Retrieved January 16, 2010 from http://superperformance.com/fitnessandbrain.php The SuperPerformance website is a website designed for people that are interested in fitness and the benefits it can have on your mood and emotions. Great resource for learning. Hillman, Charles H.; Erickson, Kirk I.; Kramer, Arthur F. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Jan2008, Vol. 9 Issue 1, p58-65, 8p. This is a very short article about exercise and improving your concentration. Great read, easy learning.

28. Howard, Pierce J. M.D. The Owner’s Manual for The Brain, Everyday Applications from Mind-Brain Research. Third Edition. 2006. Part Three: Wellness, Chapter 10: The Body Cognitive Topic 10.1-10.4, Physical Activity, Aerobics, Importance of Choice, Altering Moods and Cravings, pg 222-228. This book had such great information. Full of studies, research, and experiment facts. A lot of scholars and scientists put their content into this book and its jam packed full of information. Kotz, Deborah. (Aug 2010). Exercise Your Body – and Brain. US News and World Report, Vol 147, Issue 7, p 36-36, 1p. This particular article was found using EBSO. Probably one of the most reliable sources I found with the most information in a concise format. The author listed 5 main ways to positively change a person’s psychological and emotional state through exercise and the mind-brain connection. Madison, N. (2003-2011). What is Serotonin? Retrieved January 16, 2010 from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-serotonin.htm This website was a helpful for really breaking down the terms and making them more user friendly to understand. It gave great examples and had great terminology for the every day learner. Mayo Clinic Staff. (23 July 2010). Exercise and Stress: Get Moving to Combat Stress. Mayoclinic. Retrieved January 16, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-and- stress/SR00036 Great website for medical information, exercise, and almost any other topic related to human health. Very informative and easy to read. Great information on almost any link from this website in regards of how to improve your health and life.

29. Smith, Pamela M. The Energy Edge. Get Moving. 1991. Part 2, Chapter 7-9, Page 73-101. This book is a great refresher for the overall benefits of exercise. It also goes into great detail on how the brain benefits from exercise in Chapters 7-9. Very informative, great read. Unisys. (2010). Renew – Exercise. The Human Brain. Retrieved January 16, 2010 from http:// www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html This website was a very credible website that has been designed to educate all types of people. Targeted a bit more at the avid learner that is interested in overall health. This is also the article on the class website, but the actual website goes into greater detail about the positive effects exercise has on the brain. Zieve, David. (4 Aug 2009). Premenstrual Syndrome. A.D.A.M. Inc. Retrieved January 16, 2010 from http://www.qualityhealth.com/health-encyclopedia/in-depth-reports/premenstrual- syndrome This website surprisingly had a lot of information on endorphins, serotonin, and the effects of exercise. I hadn’t expected a website like this to relate so much to exercise and the brain but proved to be a very reliable source. This is also where I found two photos that were used in the PowerPoint.