Brain Bulletin #99 - 5 Surprising Ways to Keep Your Brain Young
in Brain Bulletin|
Do you take your brain health seriously? Or do you take it for granted? Remember, you get one brain. Isaac Asimov once said, "The human brain, then, is the most complicated organization of matter that we know". It needs to be maintained. If you are a long time subscriber to the Brain Bulletin, you already know a lot of ways to boost your brain. Here are some that you may not have thought of. Brain science notes these surprising ways to keep your brain young. Remember, when it comes to your brain, the little things add up....
1. Phone a friend. Or better yet, visit a friend. Having a social life is one of the best things you can do for your brain. Not being socially connected is actually a stronger risk for death than not exercising, or obesity (Time Magazine). Having friends in your life protects your mental health, lowers stress, and supports your immune system. Real-life contact is key. Each laugh triggers happy-making endorphins: Brain Bulletin #15 - A Surprising Study 2. Find a good boss. Hating your boss is bad for your brain. If you like your boss, your blood pressure will likely be lower, and your heart disease risk goes down. Remember, what's good for your heart is good for your brain. If you are a boss, be a good one: The Leadership Brain 3. Have a cup of tea. Better yet, have two. Tea is a powerful source of antioxidants. Tea protects your brain and heart. It lowers your bad cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, and lowers your risk of stroke. Green and black teas are brain teas. More on the incredible health benefits of tea: Brain Bulletin #32 - An Astonishing Drink For Your Brain 4. Give time. Help others, and you do a lot for your health. A review of 40 studies found that volunteering cuts your risk of early death by 22 percent! Volunteerism is linked to lower rates of depression, and greater well-being. Volunteering is good for your brain. Look for ways to make a difference. 5. Work hard. People who work hard at meaningful work live the longest lives, says Howard Friedman (The Longevity Project). Productive hard work lowers your stress, and increases happiness. Both are important for your brain health. Every little bit helps...... Congratulations on learning something about your brain today. The Brain Bulletin is committed to help to do just that. If you missed any Brain Bulletins you can find them in the Brain Bulletin Archive: Also, something great and ongoing for your brain: Follow the Brain Guy on Twitter: You can join Terry Small's 4075 followers for free on Twitter: www.twitter.com/terrysmall I just posted an interesting article: "The Science of Gratitude - Why Being Grateful is Good for Your Brain" > www.twitter.com/terrysmall I will be posting, or tweeting as it's called, regularly about the brain. What I'm reading, watching, thinking, doing....all as it relates to your brain. Twitter restricts tweets to 140 characters, so it is always quick and to the point. No time wasting! The Brain Bulletin is now on Twitter as well: www.twitter.com/brainbulletin Twitter has the easiest sign up page in the world. Even if you are not on Twitter you can check out my tweets here: www.twitter.com/terrysmall I would also be happy to connect with you on Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=62461206&trk=tab_pro And, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerrySmallTheBrainguy My favourite book this month was "Give and Take - Why Helping Others Drives Our Success" by Adam Grant. Lots of wisdom here.
It's been a busy couple months. 23 presentations since September 1. Highlights included: BC Ferries, Princess Margaret Secondary school (4 times), BC Financial Healthcare Professionals Conference, and Metro Vancouver. I also found time for lots of bike riding. My brain loves being outdoors. During the next month, I will speak numerous times in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Comox, Terrace, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. Also, happy to announce two tours next year: Germany in Jan., and Ireland in May. Please let me know if you would like a presentation to your organization on the brain and learning, leadership, or health/wellness. Thanks for reading the Brain Bulletin......remember, you are a genius. Terry Small, "the Brain Guy", Independent Scholar & Learning Skills Specialist. |
