Our brain is just like any other organ in the body, and a fitness class for the ole' gray matter is not as far fetched as you might think. We need to exercise our brain just as any other part of the body on a regular, daily basis. Studies show we can slow or even prevent brain problems that were long thought to be a part of aging-memory loss, slower information processing, and declining ability to reason.
The brain is plastic and remains so to the end of life, and can be strengthened through conditioning. While its true brain function changes around the age of 50, it isn't really lost. We don't process as fast, and retrieval of data is a bit slower, but the ability is still there. Training can help us do better at both.
A good training practice is to listen to a recording of information, then answer questions about it. First play a recording slow, answer questions about it, then speed up a recording and answer questions about it. Continue to do this and you will remember more, and more of the information faster. In time the progress will be clear. The change stays in place as long as the person keeps pressing the brain on a routine basis.
Here are some interesting facts about the brain.
- The brain makes up 2% of the body's weight but uses 20%of the body's energy.
- The brain generates 25 watts of power when you are awake. That's enough to make a light bulb shine.
- The brain consists of about 100 billion neurons, counting them one by one would take you nearly 3,200 years.
- When you are born, your brain contains almost all the neurons it will ever have.
- Your brain has 100,000 miles of blood vessels.
Five steps to a healthier brain.
- Physical activity: Exercise, a healthy heart, and good circulation will aid your brain.
- Mental Stimulation: Any regular mental activity that challenges the mind will strengthen links among brain cells.
- Good Nutrition: The brain is 60% fat-the body's fattiest organ. Foods rich in omega 3 such as fish help maintain good fat in the brain without putting bad fat on the waist.
- Spirituality: This means putting peace and balance in life. We have to learn to say "no" and carve out time for ourselves.
- Socialization- Socialize with friends, volunteer, have hobbies, stay connected.
Finding ways to work your brain isn't hard. It can be almost anything that gets you into high gear, reading, writing, learning a new language. Just make sure it is an activity you will do more than once, staying active on a regular basis is the key to a healthy brain.
