Brain Care: Part 1 - Move Your Body!

Time to read: Less than 1 minute

The first element of neuroplasticity (flexibility in the brain) is movement. Movement can be workouts at the gym, walks with your dog, or simply the activities of daily living. More movement is better, and any movement is good.

Here is your simple challenge: Move more.

If you move a lot already, where can you add more around the edges or mix it up? If you don’t move much, how can you take one little step (literally and figuratively).

Where can you add a little more movement to your day?

  • Take the stairs
  • Park far away from the door
  • Extend your walk
  • Add a second walk
  • Stretch while you watch Love Island
  • Do a few more reps at the gym or add 15 minutes of cardio
  • Take a class

The great thing about movement is that once you start, your body wants more and before you know it, you are in a self-perpetuating good habit. So, get up right now and move. Even if that’s a stretch at your desk.

If you are enjoying back to basics, tell your friends! They can sign up here.

 

Caring For Your Fried Brain

Time to read: So, so short

I notice at the end of summer, everyone goes to mush. People want to enjoy the last warm days, and no one wants to consider deep thoughts. Kids return to school, and routines shift back to the activity of fall. It’s paradoxically a lazy and chaotic time.

While enjoying your last weeks of summer and preparing for the rocket ship that is fall (whether you have children or not), the next few newsletters will take you quickly and easily back to the basics.

Here’s the context: The human brain is more flexible than researchers used to think. Into old age, your brain can change and learn new things. Brain flexibility is called “neuroplasticity.” For the next few weeks, I am going to share the 5 elements to maintain neuroplasticity and give you one simple challenge each week to enhance that element for yourself.

We’re going to keep it simple and immediately applicable. Please share this article with your colleagues. They can sign up here..