“The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good. Understanding is joyous.” ~Carl Sagan
Whenever we engage in a new activity our brain starts to create a new neuroconnection to meet that action. It grows to adapt to the challenge. The more times we do something or we don’t do something, that connection gets stronger. Habits are one aspect of how the brain keeps up doing them.
The problem with some habits is that they can be negative in nature. Once we establish a habit it becomes hard to break. Even when we work to create a new one to help override the one we don’t want, the old one may have a powerful connection due to years of actions. Only when we work on a creating a good, new habit that is close to the old bad one will it become easier.
Exercise is one type of action where many people have a hard time doing. If you’re a couch potato, then why not start from there. Even if you’re watching television, you can take advantage of that time. By simply standing up from your sofa or chair and then sitting back down will help. Now, do that for 5 minutes straight. Stand up and sit down. Keep doing it and guess what? You’re now doing squats! If you’re watching an action flick or a sport, move your body in motion with what you’re watching. Over time your brain will create new connections and new habits.
All new activities help to grow your brain by creating new connections where there were none. If you add exercise to the mix, then your brain will go into brain cell creating mode via expressing the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene which leads to the BDNF protein. This protein helps to create neurogenesis (new neurons) and neuroplasticity (new neuroconnections). With the new learnings and exercise, your brain will grow and you will get smarter. Not in the “wise guy” sort of way. Hahaha!
Add reading, classes, other physical activity and so forth to the mix and your brain will even help stave off any signs of Alzheimer’s disease. See Lifelong Learning is Important for Mental Health….
Eliminate stress, eat healthy and getting enough sleep will add benefits to your brain health as well. So, keep taking the right actions and grow your brain.
Cheers,
Bob
America’s #1 Mind-Body Transformation Expert and author of Mind Your Own Fitness
