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