What constitutes a healthy brain? What do you think? Is your brain healthy?
We are all very busy. What “quick” things can we consider doing that can contribute to a healthy brain?
“In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.” —Dr. Roger S. Ulrich Texas A&M University
Too much stress takes a toll on our brain. Do you get enough exercise?
“Walking is: especially good for your brain, because it increases
blood circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach
your brain. Walking is not strenuous, so your leg muscles
don’t take up extra oxygen and glucose like they do
during other forms of exercise. As you walk, you effectively
oxygenate your brain. Maybe this is why walking can “clear
your head” and help you to think better.” ~Franklin Institute: The Human Brain
Oxygenate your brain regularly. Walking and talking at the same time is beneficial for brain health. “Think” about this:
“Research on the physical results of thinking has shown that just using the brain actually increases the number of dendritic branches that interconnect brain cells. The more we think, the better our brains function–regardless of age.” ~The Franklin Institute: The Human Brain
Renowned brain researcher, Dr. Marian Diamond says: “The nervous system possesses not just a ‘morning’ of plasticity, but an ‘afternoon’ and an ‘evening’ as well.” Dr. Diamond found whether we are young or old, we can continue to learn.
Being and staying active and thinking (positively)–we grow dendrites…brain branches.
“A dendrite grows much like a TREE–from trunk to limbs to branches to twigs–in an array of ever finer complexity.” ~The Human Brain: Franklin Institute
Research shows that when we reach a higher level of daily physical activity a reduction in the risk of Alzheimer disease may occur. (Excerpted Walking regularly reduces brain atrophy and mental decline.)
Have you done any thinking, talking or walking today? Good! Keeping the mind quick can be a quick activity.
Can you try something new? Getting out of your comfort zone is great for your brain. Can you learn a new language? Or try learning a new dance?
Interestingly, differences between exercise styles, such as opting for cycling over running, is associated with an enhanced brain function during and after working out. Ballroom dancing, an activity with both physical and mental demands has had a higher impact on cognitive functioning over exercise or mental tasks alone, indicating that the best brain health workouts involve those that integrate different parts of the brain such as coordination, rhythm, and strategy. (Excerpted brain-resources/everyday-brain-fitness/physical-exercise)
Train your brain…be healthy! Learn healthy habits such as: not smoking, over-drinking, walking, positive thinking, moderation. Every day small choices can have big brain impacts…choose well. Choose a healthy brain!