Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.
[I] Movement and exercise make us feel good, but why? The answer offered by science journalist Caroline in her book Move!: The New Science of Body Over Mind goes deeper than well-known factors like the release of hormones and highlights how our bodies and minds are connected in ways we may not even realize.
Caroline explains that our body is constantly processing signals from the world. At the same time, it sends signals to the brain about the state of our bodies. [II] Although we may not recognize it, our moods and feelings are closely linked to how our bodies are functioning. If our body is communicating to our brain that we are sedentary, that might create feelings of depression or anxiety, insecurity or uncertainty. In contrast, a lifestyle with more movement could create positive changes that, when passed along to the brain, give us a sense of confidence and positivity.
According to Caroline, our brain evolved partly to help US move. For early humans, movement meant the ability to run away from danger and seek food. Therefore, when it has nothing to oversee, we suffer. In fact, our brains reduce capacity when we move less, slowly removing cells from brains like the hippocampus - the center of memory formation. Meanwhile, the emotional benefits of movement are well-documented. [III] In other words, the strength in our muscles may dictate our strength and confidence.
In her book, Caroline offers some ideas for various forms of movement that have different kinds of physical, mental, and cognitive benefits. In addition to strength training, walking, and running, we can try tai chi and group exercises to tap into feelings of connection with others. Moving to music can also create that sense of connection and allow us to get lost in the rhythm and escape negativity. [IV]
