Spark

going for a run is like taking a little bit of Prozac and a little bit of Ritalin

with a study showing that exercise is better than sertraline (Zoloft) at treating depression.

Cortisol also begins restocking the shelves, so to speak, replenishing energy stores depleted by the action of epinephrine.

Cortisol also begins restocking the shelves, so to speak, replenishing energy stores depleted by the action of epinephrine. It converts protein into glycogen and begins the process of storing fat

People learn to wait until the Sword of Damocles is ready to fall—it’s only then, when stress unleashes norepinephrine and dopamine, that they can sit down and do the work

They’ll say, We want them to be able to communicate. We want them to be able to work in small groups. We want them to be able to problem solve. We want them to be risk takers. Where does that happen?” he asks, eyeballing his guests. “Science class? I don’t think so.”

Exercise could break the cycle.

“In our department, we create the brain cells,” Zientarski says. “It’s up to the other teachers to fill them.”

more) of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day.

Based on strong evidence in a number of these categories, the panel issued a recommendation that schoolchildren should participate in one hour (or