| The LA Times just completed a wonderful | | | | environments. Once new neurons appear in your |
| 4-part series on how learning and memory | | | | brain, where they stay in your brain and how |
| work. The NYT re-emphasized the importance of | | | | long they survive depends on how you use |
| physical exercise for neurogenesis (the | | | | them. "Use It or Lose It" does not mean "do |
| creation of new neurons). To put this news in | | | | crossword puzzle number 1,234,567". It means, |
| better perspective, let's review some good | | | | "challenge your brain often with |
| lifestyle habits we can follow to maintain, | | | | fundamentally new activities". |
| and improve, our vibrant brains: | | | | |
| | | | 6- We are (as far as we know) the only |
| 1- Learn what is the "It" in "Use It or Lose | | | | self-directed organisms in this planet. Aim |
| It". A basic understanding will serve you | | | | high, listen to inspiring commencement |
| well to appreciate your brain's beauty as a | | | | speeches. Once you graduate from college, |
| living and constantly-developing dense forest | | | | keep learning. The brain keeps developing, no |
| with billions of neurons and synapses, full | | | | matter your age, and it reflects what you do |
| of what Marian Diamond calls the magic trees | | | | with it. |
| of the mind. Devote time to practicing | | | | |
| mentally stimulating habits. | | | | 7- Explore, travel. Adapting to new locations |
| | | | forces you to pay more attention to your |
| 2- Take care of your nutrition. Did you know | | | | environment. Make new decisions, use your |
| that the brain only weights 2% of body mass | | | | brain. |
| but consumes over 20% of the oxygen and | | | | |
| nutrients we intake? As a general rule, you | | | | 8- Don't Outsource Your Brain. Not to media |
| don't need expensive ultra-sophisticated | | | | personalities, not to politicians, not to |
| nutritional supplements, just make sure you | | | | your smart neighbour... Make your own |
| don't stuff yourself with the "bad stuff". | | | | decisions, and mistakes. And learn from them. |
| | | | That way, you are training your brain, not |
| 3- Remember that the brain is part of the | | | | your neighbour's. |
| body. Things that exercise your body can also | | | | |
| help sharpen your brain: physical exercise | | | | 9- Develop and maintain stimulating |
| enhances neurogenesis. | | | | friendships. We are "social animals", and |
| | | | need social interaction. Which, by the way, |
| 4- Practice positive, future-oriented | | | | is why 'Baby Einstein' has been shown not to |
| thoughts until they become your default | | | | be the panacea for children development. |
| mindset and you look forward to every new day | | | | |
| in a constructive way. Stress and anxiety, no | | | | 10- Laugh. Often. Especially to cognitively |
| matter whether induced by external events or | | | | complex humor, full of twists and surprises. |
| by your own thoughts, actually kills neurons | | | | Better, try to become the next John Stewart. |
| and prevent the creation of new ones. You can | | | | |
| think of chronic stress as the opposite of | | | | Now, remember that what counts is not reading |
| exercise: it prevents the creation of new | | | | this article-or any other-, but practicing a |
| neurons. | | | | bit every day until small steps snowball into |
| | | | unstoppable, internalized habits...so, pick |
| 5- Thrive on Learning and Mental Challenges. | | | | your next battle and try to start improving |
| The point of having a brain is precisely to | | | | at least one of these 10 habits today! |
| learn and to adapt to challenging new | | | | |