The burger or the salad? The treadmill or the sofa? Spend or save? Throughout the course of a single day, choices like these test our willpower repeatedly . . . and sometimes the choices we make can leave us feeling like a failure. If you’ve ever made a vow to practice better self-control, you know […]
Strengthening Resilience in the Brain
What interventions could rewire the brain in mature adults, particularly those who grew up in less than ideal circumstances? Are there ways to help restore or strengthen resilience? One of my favorite neuroscientists is Dr. Bruce McEwen. He serves as Head of Neuroendocrinology Research at Rockefeller University in New York. To me, he’s a rock […]
Why Optimism Is Good for Your Brain
Focusing on positive experiences is a reflex for some, but it’s a skill that all of us would be wise to adopt. Because not only can it be just plain enjoyable to mentally relive good experiences, it can actually rewire the brain. New findings keep showing us that everything we do affects our brain. But […]
Fireworks in the Brain
We’ve been talking lately about research, exercises, and techniques anyone can use to boost overall brain health. But did you know, there’s one activity that has been demonstrated to enhance function in multiple areas of the brain. And when I tell you what it is, you’ll probably regret not practicing the piano (or clarinet) the […]
Those Tricky Telomeres
Changes of season can definitely impact my exercise routine. In the spring and summer, when it’s no longer dark when I wake up or getting dark when I get out of work, conditions are definitely more conducive for running. During the winter, I make use of the stair-stepper downstairs, but sometimes I get busy and […]