Since I've been doing regular brain exercise, I've noticed an interesting correlation between brain training and my happiness or sense of well-being. If I'm feeling happy and relaxed, I do better at the brain exercise; and when I do the brain exercise, it makes me feel happier and more relaxed. And it seems that I am not alone - comments on this crop up regularly from other brain trainers.
Science gives us insight into why this would be. Starting in 2005 with a study of Tibetan monks by Dr. Richard Davidson several studies have confirmed that the brain functions differently if we attain a state of peaceful meditation. Davidson measured the brain activity of the monks while they meditated and saw that the neurons fired much more regularly and with greater intensity than in the brain's of those not practiced in meditation.
On a much more limited, short term scale, this reflects my experience when I am feeling tranquil and at peace during brain training. I can improve my attention further if I close my eyes and breathe deeply between training blocks. The end result is better attention to the exercise and a greater ability to complete the training successfully. On days when I'm feeling stressed or low, my brain can't stay focused and retaining items in working-memory is a struggle.
Another telling aspect of the research findings is that the more we practice these skills of mindful meditation, the more our brain responds.
Scientific studies also provide insight into the second phenomenon - that brain training makes us feel happier. Scientists have discovered that new neural growth is essential if antidepressants are to work effectively. Researchers from UT Southwestern showed that when they inhibited the growth of new nerve cells in an area of the brain called the dentate gyrus, it inhibited the operation of antidepressants. In a separate study, German researchers showed that chronic stress inhibits new neural cell growth, leading to a greater risk of depression.
Armed with this information, there are two things we can do to help generate new nerve cells in the dentate gyrus: aerobic exercise and working-memory activation. We've known for some time of the benefits of aerobic exercise for our physical health; more recently it's been found that increased blood flow also helps stimulate neural growth. Certain kinds of mental exercise, too, can produce new cell growth.
However, not all brain fitness products will be equally effective in stimulating the growth of new nerve cells. Some programs engage us with brain teasers or games that don't require significant focus and attention and won't induce significant if any neural growth. Others may produce ideal conditions for new neural growth but cost hundreds of dollars or require a big time commitment.
When researching the brain training program that's right for you, check out the vendor's information on the science of the training. Is the training based on or supported by academic or independent study? Does the vendor specify what you should expect to gain from the training? Is there a prescribed schedule for use?
As with any form of exercise, brain exercise rewards in equal measure to our investment. We can't expect to stay physically fit without breaking a sweat - so, too, a truly effective brain training program requires our attention and effort. The rewards to our mental health and happiness, however, can repay every ounce of that investment. - 14915
Science gives us insight into why this would be. Starting in 2005 with a study of Tibetan monks by Dr. Richard Davidson several studies have confirmed that the brain functions differently if we attain a state of peaceful meditation. Davidson measured the brain activity of the monks while they meditated and saw that the neurons fired much more regularly and with greater intensity than in the brain's of those not practiced in meditation.
On a much more limited, short term scale, this reflects my experience when I am feeling tranquil and at peace during brain training. I can improve my attention further if I close my eyes and breathe deeply between training blocks. The end result is better attention to the exercise and a greater ability to complete the training successfully. On days when I'm feeling stressed or low, my brain can't stay focused and retaining items in working-memory is a struggle.
Another telling aspect of the research findings is that the more we practice these skills of mindful meditation, the more our brain responds.
Scientific studies also provide insight into the second phenomenon - that brain training makes us feel happier. Scientists have discovered that new neural growth is essential if antidepressants are to work effectively. Researchers from UT Southwestern showed that when they inhibited the growth of new nerve cells in an area of the brain called the dentate gyrus, it inhibited the operation of antidepressants. In a separate study, German researchers showed that chronic stress inhibits new neural cell growth, leading to a greater risk of depression.
Armed with this information, there are two things we can do to help generate new nerve cells in the dentate gyrus: aerobic exercise and working-memory activation. We've known for some time of the benefits of aerobic exercise for our physical health; more recently it's been found that increased blood flow also helps stimulate neural growth. Certain kinds of mental exercise, too, can produce new cell growth.
However, not all brain fitness products will be equally effective in stimulating the growth of new nerve cells. Some programs engage us with brain teasers or games that don't require significant focus and attention and won't induce significant if any neural growth. Others may produce ideal conditions for new neural growth but cost hundreds of dollars or require a big time commitment.
When researching the brain training program that's right for you, check out the vendor's information on the science of the training. Is the training based on or supported by academic or independent study? Does the vendor specify what you should expect to gain from the training? Is there a prescribed schedule for use?
As with any form of exercise, brain exercise rewards in equal measure to our investment. We can't expect to stay physically fit without breaking a sweat - so, too, a truly effective brain training program requires our attention and effort. The rewards to our mental health and happiness, however, can repay every ounce of that investment. - 14915
About the Author:
Oxford-trained scientist, author, and technologist, Martin G. Walker is a member of The British Neuroscience Association, Learning and The Brain, and MENSA. His company Mind Evolve Software publishes free information on the field of neuroscience and brain training as well as effective and affordable brain fitness software under the brand name Mind Sparke.
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