Physical Intelligence: The Science of the Body and the Mind with Dr. Scott Grafton

In this episode, Derek Berkey and Natalie Garland speak with Dr. Scott Grafton, Distinguished Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He directs the Action Lab, which focuses on the neuroscience of goal-directed movement. Professor Grafton is also the author of Physical Intelligence: The Science of How the Body and Mind Guide Each Other Through Life.  

Dr. Grafton shares how ‘physical intelligence’ works, how it functions in combination with your brain and nervous systems, what you can do to improve it, and why it’s so important for all of us, especially as we age. Grafton explains how the brain connects with the body during physical activity to achieve and maintain ‘allostasis’ and shines a light on the understanding of these links' effects on perception, activity, and brain health.

The Invigor Medical podcast’s mission is to provide personalized medical care through scientifically backed education and wellness solutions. The show is co-hosted by Natalie Garland and Derek Berkey.

Websites / Social Media: 

Dr. Scott Grafton - https://ml.ucsb.edu/people/faculty/scott-grafton

Book: Physical Intelligence - https://www.amazon.com/Physical-Intelligence-Science-Guide-Through/dp/1524747327

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Timestamps:

00:49 - Dr. Grafton’s intro and background

04:54 - Motivation and learning

07:30 - Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system

12:50 - Physical intelligence 

22:05 - Neuro-connection formation in children

24:04 - Synaptic plasticity

29:10 - Physical health and aging

33:30 - Mountaineering, your 6th sense, and proprioception

38:00 - Activities to improve your body awareness

42:15 - Overcoming injuries, re-routing nerve signals

51:20 - Myths and misconceptions 

54:30 - Building better physical health and body movement - get outside in nature

56:30 - Why is physical intelligence so important?

58:30 - Stimulating thought by engaging in physical activity

1:03:30 - Mental health and physical intelligence

1:06:45 - Dopamine and endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids

1:09:40 - Allostasis - ‘just enough, just in time’

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