Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Getting the most from your Mind...? A new study at UCLA and published in June’s American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry affirms  that people may be able to improve their brain efficiency through simple lifestyle changes. Do memory exercises… eat healthy… stay fit … and reduce stress in a day … and your brain will benefit from increased efficiency….

Researchers  discovered that after “14 days of following healthy lifestyle strategies, study participants' brain metabolism decreased in working memory regions, suggesting an increased efficiency — so the brain didn't have to work as hard to accomplish tasks.”

Further details of the healthy strategies used in this study also are highlighted in Small's new book to be published today, "The Longevity Bible: 8 Essential Strategies for Keeping Your Mind Sharp and Your Body Young"

Here's how… “participants on the healthy longevity plan incorporated the following into their daily routine:

·              To stimulate the brain, memory exercises such as crossword puzzles and brainteasers were conducted throughout the day.
·              To improve physical fitness, participants took daily walks, which have been found to increase life expectancy and lower the risk of Alzheimer disease...

·              To improve their diet, study participants on the plan ate five small meals a day, which prevents drops in blood glucose levels since glucose is the main energy source for the brain. In addition, they ate a balanced diet full of omega-3 fats, antioxidants and low‑glycemic carbohydrates like whole grains.
·              To manage stress, participants performed daily relaxation exercises. Small notes that stress causes the body to release cortisol, a hormone that can impair memory and damage brain memory cells.”

Ok… I have four things to take care of today because right now the MITA center needs all the mental efficiency we can muster … just to keep up… How about you…?