I have found the specific nature of exercise to be very important in this regard. Moderate cardio is definitely beneficial and helps to maintain some baseline.

I have found the specific nature of exercise to be very important in this regard. Moderate cardio is definitely beneficial and helps to maintain some baseline. But, I have never really felt like I "stepped up" to a new level without reaching out to things like HIIT, heavy weight lifting and other forms of plyometrics. Something about pushing your brain into the "oh shit I don't know if I should be doing this" territory seems to trigger the most powerful effects.