Feeding Neuroplasticity with Guided Readings

We all want to be healthy as we age. Often we fall into comfortable patterns with work, life, structure and people that lack the problem solving and agility needed to keep our minds fresh and allow for growth and learning.

Our brains, scientists have found stay plastic until we die, we can learn, and grow in our brains until death. The problem often occurs if we happen lose mobility, encounter trauma, or become ingrained in habits we don't realize are actually prohibiting elasticity in our brains (eeehhemm doom scrolling), just as an example. As we age we get comfortable, we fall into our daily lives and patterns that don't stimulate brain activity and promote the regeneration of cells often called mitosis, it's kind of like muscles if you don't use them you lose them.

So even though you may feel clueless when your teenage child, grandchild or niece or nephew talk to you, learning slang is a way of feeding that neuroplasticity needed to stave off dementia and promote new cell growth and fire those synapses that pump out those feel good chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. When we connect with people, allow ourselves to try something new and accomplish something like finishing a crossword puzzle or a 20 min walk with our dog, it can feed our brains and allows those chemicals to flows long after we have done the activity.

Challenges and problem solving also allow for growth in many ways and sometimes getting feedback from someone who has no agenda or any reason to sway us in one direction or the other helps us step outside ourselves and build not just a neuroplastic mind but also self awareness. You know how when you get something off your chest, or have coffee with someone you feel empowered to go through your day with a little spunk, you feel more like giving, helping and more confident. That is the power of connection, communication and those chemicals that help your brain age like fine wine. So the next time you want to feel good or just want to see if you are seeing an event or circumstance with the right lenses consider running it by someone who just wants to help you sort it out.

Feed your brain, clear your mind, find a connection, and be open to possibilities. You never know what will happen. Find some support or clarity @glamaze. And have a Glamazing day!