There is no doubt that the human mind is bewilderingly complex, with nearly 100 billion neurons working together to keep a person agile and quick in their thinking.
But just like the rest of the body, the brain may not be at its best when a person gets a little older and finds themselves having to write things down, forgetting appointments or not being able to follow a conversation or event on TV without straining.
Fortunately, it is possible to exercise the brain and improve its performance, a new study shows.
3 factors of good brain health
Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson, Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology NTNU, emphasized that “the keys to our nervous system are the gray and white matter,” which is made up of neurons and dendrites, while the white matter provides connections between cells (spinal axons) and contributes to the speed of transmission. and distribution of signals, according to Neuroscience News
He also added, “There are three factors that are necessary if one wants to keep one’s mind at its best.” They are:
1. Physical movement
Movement is perhaps the biggest challenge for many of us.
Just as your body becomes lazy if you sit on the couch too much, the same unfortunately applies to your brain as well.
Commenting on that point or factor, Professor Sigmundsson and colleagues said: “An active lifestyle helps to develop the central nervous system and counteract the aging of the brain.”
It is therefore important that one does not sit for long periods, although achieving this advice requires effort, as there is no other method that can replace it.
If the person has a sedentary desk job or a job that does not require active physical movement, after the work is finished, he must activate himself physically by exercising or at least walking.
2. Social relations
Some of us are happy in solitude or with a few people, but it is scientifically proven that it is better to promote social activities.
According to Sigmundsson, “Relationships with and interactions with others contribute to a number of complex biological factors that can prevent the brain from slowing down,” meaning that being with other people, for example through conversation or physical contact, supports good brain function.
3. Passion
The last element can have something to do with personal nature, as the necessary foundation and willingness to learn is linked to passion, or having a strong interest in something, can be the critical motivating factor that leads to learning new things.
In this context, Sigmundsson explained that over time, the desire or eagerness to learn new things “affects the development and maintenance of our neural networks”.
Curiosity, not giving up and not letting everything run its course the same way all the time can be some of the things to take care of to keep your brain healthy. Sigmundsson points out that it does not require giant and huge changes, but can simply move a person to learn to play a new musical instrument.
Either you use it or you lose it
The most important of all these factors, it seems, is the use of the brain!
The researchers concluded their comprehensive paper by highlighting a common saying: “use it or lose it.” That is, one should exercise the mind so that it does not become swayed and become lazy little by little, as “the development of the brain is closely linked to lifestyle.
Especially since physical exercise and relationships and emotional help to develop and maintain the basic structures of our brain as we age!.