The New Renaissance of Wellbeing: Science and Movement in Dialogue

May 14, 2025

“Mens sana in corpore sano,” a saying dating back to Ancient Rome, was born in a cultural and historical context quite different from our own—yet it remains strikingly relevant today.
What does this expression truly mean in our time?
And more importantly, how has contemporary science—particularly neuroscience—reinterpreted this ancient symbiosis between movement and mental health?

From Latin Wisdom to Modern Science

Attributed to the poet Juvenal, the expression reflected a philosophical worldview in which the balance between mind and body was considered essential to a virtuous life.

Today, in modern society, this ancient maxim is undergoing a profound scientific reassessment.

The integration of disciplines such as neurobiology, cognitive psychology, and movement sciences has allowed researchers to empirically validate what the ancient sages could only intuit.

The body influences the mind—and vice versa.

Neuroplasticity: How the Brain Transforms Through Movement

One of the most groundbreaking concepts to emerge in recent decades is neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to change its structure and function in response to experience.

Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, has proven to be a powerful catalyst for this phenomenon.

Studies have shown that regular training stimulates the production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)—a molecule essential for neuronal growth, survival, and differentiation.

In simple terms, running, swimming, or cycling do more than condition the body—they actively reshape the brain, enhancing memory, attention, and learning capabilities.

The Impact on Psychological Well-being

Alongside cognitive benefits, physical exercise has shown significant therapeutic effects on various psychological conditions: depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and mild cognitive impairment.

For this reason, the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization both recommend physical activity as a cornerstone of both preventive and rehabilitative strategies.

Multiple mechanisms are at play.

From increasing levels of serotonin and endorphins, which uplift mood, to regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which mediates the stress response.

Moreover, physical activity serves as a neuroprotective factor, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The Dialogue Between Body and Mind

This integrated perspective calls for a departure from the traditional Cartesian dualism, which views mind and body as separate entities, urging instead an embrace of a more holistic model of the human being.

The brain is not an isolated control center but an organ deeply intertwined with bodily physiology.

Every heartbeat, every breath, every muscle contraction sends signals to the central nervous system—shaping our perception of the world, the quality of our thoughts, and our emotional states.

In a modern context where sedentary lifestyles and psychosocial stress are increasingly prevalent, this awareness holds strategic value in terms of public health and preventive medicine.

Toward a New Scientific Humanism

Ultimately, rediscovering this bond between body and mind is not merely a biological revelation—it is also a cultural and ethical one.

It means promoting a lifestyle where movement is not about performance, but a daily practice of self-care, awareness, and transformation.

Through the lens of neuroscience, reinterpreting “mens sana in corpore sano” is not just about scientifically validating an ancient idea—it is about translating it into a contemporary paradigm that places the complexity of the human being at the center.

When Movement Makes the Difference

Neuroscience only confirms what human intuition has long suggested: the body is a foundational element of mental processes, an active co-author of our well-being.

Choosing a lifestyle where movement is practiced mindfully becomes a true investment in mental longevity and quality of life.

It means recognizing physical action not as an isolated gesture, but as part of a complex ecosystem where health, clarity, and inner balance feed into one another.

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