Tag Archives: Brain

Brain Research and Nutrition

06 Thursday Dec 2012

Posted by in Healthy Eating, Healthy Mind

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Brain Research and NutritionAs a continuation to last weeks post, “Brain Research and Exercise,” science is proving that what we eat affects our brain; cognition, memory, attention, stress, and even intelligence. The journals Nutritional Neuroscience and European Journal of Clinical Nutrition have been studying the effects on schools that pay attention to nutrition and cognition.

There seems to be direct correlation in children between what they eat and how the brain functions. Those who eat a diet of fruit, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains/complex carbohydrates have been shown to function better at school than those who consume a diet of processed foods and fast food high in fats and sugars.

Love, Health & Happiness,

Phyllis

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It Only Takes 18 Seconds to Change Your Brain

27 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by in Healthy Mind

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If you want something different… Imagine it! Maybe it’s a to lose weight, become more active, overcome an illness or injury, or to have a healthier body.  Perhaps you would like to have more money, an improved relationship, be able to perform better at school or at work, or a career change.

I was at a training the other day and an expert on brain research spoke about how our brains create long-term memory.  When we rehearse, imagine, or talk to ourselves about something for 18 seconds, it gets stored in our long-term memory.

How easy is it for us to focus on what’s not working, aches, pains, illness, past experiences that did not go well, failures, mistakes, traumas, and negative self-talk?  How foreign is it to focus on gratitude, being thankful, happy moments, positive experiences, successes, and self-praise, yet alone do it for 18 seconds?

Pay attention to what you pay attention to. Dwell on the what you want and what you have that is working, for 18 seconds. It will change your brain.

Love, Health & Happiness,

Phyllis

A Way to a Healthier and Happier Mind

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by in Healthy Mind

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I’m at my most favorite place to meditate! On the balcony overlooking the waters of Cancun. 

There are many ways to meditate, including focusing on a mantra or word like peace or love, or putting your attention on your breath as you breathe in and out.  There are also walking meditations, mindfulness meditations, prayerful meditations and recorded guided meditations.     

When first learning to meditate you may find peace and tranquility. Yet, if you are like most people, you may have runaway thoughts and feel fidgety.  Learning a form of meditation is worth the effort.  The journal Psychiatry Research, published a recent study on Neuroimaging, from Massachusetts General Hospital.  The results showed meditation-produced changes over time in the brain’s grey matter.  Studies have shown that those who meditate almost 30 minutes a day on average, for eight weeks, have measurable changes in brain regions associated with their memory, sense of self, empathy, and stress response.   

With practice, meditation can provide a sense of peacefulness and stillness.  It can increase creativity, wisdom, and awareness.  Other benefits documented by research include: stress reduction, improved sleep, reduced pain levels, lowered blood pressure, decreased anxiety and depression, and even improved relationships and job performance.   

Find a meditation that works for you.   Learn more by reading about meditation, taking a class or talking with people who meditate regularly.  Or just start on your own by sitting quietly for 5-10 minutes and gradually build up to 20-30 minutes. 

Love, Health & Happiness,

Phyllis