Read books. Study ideas. Plan ahead.

These are all good ways to get smarter. But they all miss a critical aspect of brain health.

Don't forget one of the most important ways to get smarter: physical exercise.

Never forget that your brain is an organ within your body. It operates like other organs in your body. If your body isn't getting the nourishment or challenge it needs, neither will your brain. If your body is overfed it will become sluggish. So, too, will your brain.

There's a whole lot more to talk about regarding the benefits of exercise, and I'm sure I'll get to that in future posts.

But for now, remember that one of the surest ways to a clearer mind is physical exercise.