The New Mental Pick-Me-Up

Mentally challenging tasks require you to be "on." When your brain is stuck on "off," here's what to do:

Skip the trip to the local java joint. Just get moving instead. Walk, run, skip, skate, jump rope, or dance a jig for 30 minutes. The benefits: You'll think more quickly and experience less frustration when you return to your work.

Double-shot espressos aside, there's nothing like a little cha-cha-cha to get your brain going rah-rah-rah! But exercise goes one better by helping you burn calories, too.

Need more reasons to get moving? Check out this head-to-toe list of exercise cheers.

• Eureka! Exercise boosts brain function by ramping up blood flow, so oxygen and nutrients get around to all parts of your body better, including your brain.
• Love it! Exercise stimulates the release of mood-boosting endorphins and eases anxiety and depression. It can help improve your sleep, too, so you're less drowsy and irritable.
• Phew! Stamina exercises like swimming, hiking, running, and brisk walking strengthen your heart and lungs and make arteries more elastic. Regular exercise helps keep blood pressure in check, too.
• Relief! Constipated? Exercise helps get things moving and promotes normal bowel function. (Are you "regular"? Take this quiz.)
• Ahhhh. Exercise builds muscle, promotes flexibility, makes bones stronger, and helps relieve muscle tension.

Now it's your turn to cheer. Get stronger and healthier with the easy-to-do exercise ideas in the RealAge Workout Center.

Short-term effects of aerobic exercise on executive processing, memory, and emotion. Tomporowski, P. D., Stueck, M. G., University of Georgia, Athens, GA; American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana, June 4, 2004.