This is a great book that sold so many copies in the author’s home country of Sweden that it’s estimated that one in eight residents of Sweden bought it. With lots of research to back it up, the main point is that regular aerobic exercise (45 minutes, three times a week, getting the heart rate up doing things like running, swimming, biking, playing ball or dancing) has dramatic effects on the brain. Rates of dementia are cut by 30-40% with just this. Anxiety, depression and mental illness respond as well or better to just this than to medication. The brain actually does create new brain cells (which scientists told us for years was impossible) with just this. Even regular short walks benefit the brain in dramatic ways. It turns out that there is absolutely no evidence that all those brain exercises like crossword puzzles and brain building apps help in any way, but countless studies have shown that exercise does strengthen and nourish the brain. A great, motivating read.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Good overall. Good studies, that repeat the same results. Surprised me and motivated me as well to get moving, but found it repetitive. In the end you knew where it would all lead to. But I did enjoy it.

When I approach self-help books, I always try to adopt as objective an attitude as possible. This choice isn't arbitrary; it stems from the awareness that subjectivity, although natural, can easily distort one's perception of the content, especially when we're not dealing with a work of fiction. Every reader brings a personal background filled with experiences, expectations, and biases that inevitably influence their judgment. However, when it comes to a book aimed at offering practical advice and guidance for improving one’s life, I believe it’s crucial to set aside personal preferences to focus on the actual effectiveness and applicability of the ideas presented. This critical approach allows me to evaluate the intrinsic value of the text, distinguishing what is truly useful from what is simply rhetoric devoid of substance. With this mindset, I began reading this book with the intent of determining whether it could offer valuable insights or if it was destined to get lost in the sea of similar publications that promise a lot but often deliver little.

Initial Enthusiasm, but with Reservations

Despite a natural skepticism towards the self-help genre, I couldn’t help but approach the reading of *The Mind-Body Method* with a certain amount of enthusiasm. I am often receptive to new opportunities to improve my personal routine—something I’ll discuss more in my next article. The premise of the book immediately piqued my interest. The idea of integrating physical activity into daily life as a fundamental component of personal well-being is a concept that has found broad support in scientific literature and medical practice for several years now. The notion that movement can be not only a remedy for the body but also a pillar on which to build a more balanced and fulfilling existence is undeniably compelling. I expected to find in the text a series of reflections and suggestions that went beyond the simple advice to exercise, exploring how this practice could be integrated into a broader personal growth journey. I was ready to be inspired by an innovative and comprehensive approach to well-being improvement that would not merely repeat the usual, well-known mantras.

A Single Piece of Advice Repeated Ad Nauseam

Unfortunately, my initial enthusiasm began to wane as I progressed through the book. What initially seemed like an interesting and potentially rich concept turned out to be a fixed point, repeated almost obsessively. The entire narrative revolves around the importance of physical activity, without ever deviating or delving into other aspects that could enrich the discussion. The author seems to get stuck on this one piece of advice, reiterating it in various forms but without adding anything new or particularly impactful. While it’s understandable to emphasize a crucial message—especially when considering the high percentage of the global population suffering from obesity—this repetition ends up boring the reader and draining the content of its potential impact. The lack of a more varied narrative structure or additional elements of reflection makes the text flat and predictable, drastically reducing its effectiveness.

Superficial and Unengaging Content

Another major disappointment was the superficiality with which the few topics presented are addressed. The author fails to offer a deep analysis or propose concrete tools to turn the advice into daily actions. Instead of exploring the many facets of personal well-being or suggesting detailed strategies for implementing the desired changes, *The Mind-Body Method* sticks to a series of generic statements that barely scratch the surface of the issues at hand. This superficial approach not only fails to stimulate the reader to reflect more deeply but also risks leaving the impression that personal change is a simple and straightforward matter, which is rarely the case in reality. The lack of practical tools, concrete examples, and a detailed guide makes the book ineffective in its primary goal: helping the reader truly improve their life. Essentially, what could have been an engaging journey towards self-discovery and personal improvement turns into a flat and challenge-free path, incapable of involving the reader. By the time I reached the last page, I was simply reminded that I needed to exercise; everything else was just background noise that my mind couldn’t bring into focus. In short, I made sure to include physical activity in my daily routine, but I was left with no other takeaways.

A Missed Opportunity

At the end of the reading, the overwhelming feeling was one of a missed opportunity. Despite the interesting premise and a solid theoretical foundation, this book fails to live up to the expectations it initially created. The continued insistence on physical activity as a cure-all and the lack of substantial and diverse content cause the book to exhaust itself without ever truly taking off. It’s a work that could have made a significant contribution to the self-help genre but instead ends up being just another publication that promises a lot but delivers little. It’s a book that, despite starting with a potentially revolutionary idea and being loaded with excellent rhetorical skills, gets lost in repetition and superficiality, resulting in a disappointing reading experience devoid of the added value one would expect.

Tomorrow at 8.15 a.m. will publish the complete review on my blog: medium,com/@inabookhole

Am interesting read on the changes our brain can make over a lifetime. Exercise is a major theme of how poo create more neuroplasticity, decrease anxiety and inspire creativity. Engaging and well-written.

This was my second read by Anders Hansen and I was not disappointed. I have recently been on a health and wellness journey, trying to add in more physical activity throughout the day and give me reassurance as to how important it really is to stay active and how it affects your overall health, not only physically, but mentally as well. I’d truly believe many more people need to adopt this principle, I will definitely be sharing this with family and friends.

An excellent resource for using exercise as brain medicine to produce calm, enhance memory. and slow the aging process. Recommended!

This book was a breath of fresh air as someone who, entering their late twenties, wants to prioritize their health and wellness before there is a problem. As I age, I am becoming more proactive in my health, and I wish to health my body with physical movement & mental training before constantly turning to pills and medicines. I have been trying to re-train my brain to look at physical exercise as a blessing to be able to complete- and to feel joy in the workings of my body. This has helped in my journey to healing my relationship with food, exercise, and fitness.

In "The Mind-Body Method: How Moving Your Body Can Stop You Losing Your Mind," Anders Hansen offers a compelling exploration of the intricate connection between physical activity and mental health. This book is a timely and insightful guide, blending scientific research with practical advice to demonstrate how exercise can be a powerful tool in maintaining and enhancing cognitive well-being.

Hansen, a psychiatrist with a knack for clear and engaging writing, delves into the latest neuroscience to explain how physical activity impacts brain function. He presents evidence showing that regular exercise can reduce the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, improve memory and cognitive function, and even slow down the aging process of the brain.

One of the book's strengths is its accessibility. Hansen breaks down complex scientific concepts into understandable terms, making the information both informative and actionable. The reader is not just bombarded with data; instead, Hansen connects the dots, showing how the science can be applied in everyday life. His recommendations are practical and achievable, catering to readers of all fitness levels.

Another highlight is the range of case studies and personal stories that Hansen incorporates. These anecdotes provide real-life examples of how individuals have used physical activity to overcome mental health challenges, making the book relatable and inspiring. Hansen's compassionate and encouraging tone helps to motivate readers to take their first steps towards a more active and mentally healthy lifestyle.

However, the book isn't without its drawbacks. At times, Hansen's enthusiasm for the subject can lead to an overly optimistic view of exercise as a panacea for all mental health issues. While he does acknowledge that exercise is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, this nuance can sometimes get lost amid the book's broader claims.

Overall, "The Mind-Body Method" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the powerful link between

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • Over 1 million copies sold!

"An essential how-to book to reduce stress, calm anxiety, and keep your brain active." —Nir Eyal, author of Indistractable

Do you want to reduce your stress levels, boost your memory, mood, and focus, and be more creative? Then it’s time to get moving!

In this groundbreaking international bestseller, The Mind-Body Method, acclaimed psychiatrist and mental health guru Dr. Anders Hansen reveals a simple yet effective method for transforming your life: exercise. Dr. Hansen explains the evolutionary reason that exercise can reduce stress and anxiety, boost memory and focus, raise IQ, and even slow down the aging process.

Drawing on his vast expertise, Dr. Hansen provides practical and concrete advice on how we can all harness the benefits of daily movement. From understanding why our brains are wired to move to motivating ourselves to achieve our health and fitness goals, The Mind-Body Method offers a life-altering approach to physical and mental well-being.

Dr. Hansen is a renowned psychiatrist, well-being guru, and award-winning author whose expertise in the field has earned him international recognition as a two-time winner of the Book of the Year Big Health Award and Sweden’s Mensa Prize 2018. Backed by extensive research, data, and studies spanning decades and countries, Dr. Hansen’s insights are not only scientifically proven but also enriched and explored through his TV series delving into the intricacies of the human brain, making him a trusted authority in the field of mental health, fitness, and overall well-being.

If you’re ready to transform your mental and physical health and unlock your full potential, The Mind-Body Method is the essential guide you need. Find out the optimal types of exercise and the duration needed to improve your attention span, memory, and overall mood.

With over 1 million copies sold, this book has already been translated into 25 languages, transforming the lives of countless readers across cultures and languages.