Broadly speaking, the prefrontal cortex organizes activity, both mental and physical, receiving input and issuing instructions through the brain’s most extensive network of connections. The prefrontal cortex is the boss.

WHEN THE STUDENTS in Titusville or in Naperville go for a mile run in gym, they are more prepared to learn in their other classes: their senses are heightened; their focus and mood are improved; they’re less fidgety and tense; and they feel more motivated and invigorated.

Dopamine, which is thought of as the learning, reward (satisfaction), attention, and movement neurotransmitter,

Both groups’ physical symptoms improved, but the runners improved significantly more on the mental side.

When we exercise, particularly if the exercise requires complex motor movement, we’re also exercising the areas of the brain involved in the full suite of cognitive functions.

Whereas in some Asian countries nearly half of the students score in the top tier, only 7 percent of U.S. students hit that mark.

Learning requires strengthening the affinity between neurons through a dynamic mechanism called long-term potentiation (LTP).

When we exercise, particularly if the exercise requires complex motor movement, we’re also exercising the areas of the brain involved in the full suite of cognitive functions.

Norepinephrine, which was the first neurotransmitter scientists studied to understand mood, often amplifies signals that influence attention, perception, motivation, and arousal.