Better health starts with your brain

What is neuroplasticity and how you can increase it.

What if I told you exercising your brain health is a key part of your health routine?  The brain is made up of about 73% water and can modify its own structure and function when it perceives changes within the body or external environment.  This is also known as neuroplasticity.    

When the brain’s neuroplasticity starts to decline, it can contribute to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s.   If your body is stressed resulting in constant fight or flight, it impairs learning, memory, and can result in anxiety and depression.

Luckily, we have the power to increase our own brain’s neuroplasticity.  Increasing neuroplasticity in the brain is beneficial for improving memory, decreasing anxiety and depression, and helping to regulate the body’s stress response system.  Here are four activities to increase your brain’s neuroplasticity:

Meditate

It’s no coincidence that meditation has gained popularity.  Taking time to quiet the mind and observe your thoughts is such a powerful way to reduce stress, anxiety and increase self-awareness.  Some of my favorite meditation apps are Insight Timer and Superhuman.  Not into guided meditations?  Set a timer on your phone and practice stillness for a few minutes, working your way up as you progress with the habit.

Learn a new skill

One of my favorite intentions to set at the beginning of each year is learning a new skill.  Some ideas I’ve incorporated over the years have been learning guitar, golf, and this year I’m itching to learn how to play pickleball.  Learning something new retrains the brain and can be especially helpful for people who are naturally hard wired for stress. Consider this your nudge to finally learn that new language or step out of your comfort zone to start a new hobby.

Exercise

Regular exercise reduces stress and increases dopamine which is a neurotransmitter made in your brain.  Dopamine (known as the “feel good” hormone) contributes to feelings of pleasure and motivation and positively impacts sleep, mood, and memory.  No matter what your current fitness level is, try to get some form of movement daily – whether that’s going on walks, doing workout videos at home, or going to your favorite group fitness class.

Socialize 

As an introvert, I remind myself that socializing and connecting with friends is so important for mental health.  Building connections and socializing provides a sense of community and can also help reduce stress.  If you are new to a city and don’t have a large circle, try joining a gym, volunteer group, or book club and find like-minded people who you can connect with.

You don’t have to do all these steps to increase your brain’s neuroplasticity.  Maybe just start with something as small as taking a different route home on your commute or brushing your teeth with your opposite hand!  With any new habit, start with baby steps and allow it to work seamlessly into your current routine.

Here’s to brain health and increasing neuroplasticity.  Let me know how you are planning on exercising your brain health this year!