My experience with brain fitness software has revealed a very interesting and at first surprising connection to my level of happiness and sense of well-being. I've also heard this commented on regularly by other brain exercisers. The connection seems to work in two directions: If I'm feeling good, I do better at the brain exercise; and when I do the brain exercise, it makes me feel happier.
Recent scientific research would seem to shed light on both aspects of this phenomenon. Beginning with research performed by Dr. Richard Davidson at the University of Wisconsin in 2005, scientists have consistently found that the brains of those who meditate (such as Tibetan monks in Davidson's study) function differently than normal brains. The firing of neurons is better coordinated and more intense.
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.
Equally encouraging, new exploration of the mechanics of depression indicates that we can help our mood and mental health by stimulating brain growth. Researchers have found that new brain cell growth is essential for the working of antidepressants. The team from UT Southwestern Medical Center demonstrated that antidepressants stopped producing benefits without new nerve cell growth in the brain region called the dentate gyrus. And German researchers have found that stress inhibits new neural cell growth, thereby contributing to depression.
Which brings us back to brain exercise. Two activities are known to stimulate new nerve cell growth in the dentate gyrus: aerobic exercise and working-memory activation. While we've known for decades that aerobic exercise benefits us for many reasons, the finding that brain exercise can not only help keep us sharp but can also help keep us chipper is a welcome discovery.
It's important to note that not all brain exercises produce these benefits to any significant degree. Casual brain teasers or games that don't demand our full focus and attention over an extended period will likely not be much use. The conditions for new nerve cell growth call for intense concentration at a novel and rewarding mental task.
It pays to check the scientific pedigree of the training exercises the training program incorporates. Does the vendor specify what the training will accomplish, what measurable gains to expect in memory or processing ability? Does the product come with a training schedule, indicating how much time you should devote to the exercises and over what period?
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. - 16003
Recent scientific research would seem to shed light on both aspects of this phenomenon. Beginning with research performed by Dr. Richard Davidson at the University of Wisconsin in 2005, scientists have consistently found that the brains of those who meditate (such as Tibetan monks in Davidson's study) function differently than normal brains. The firing of neurons is better coordinated and more intense.
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.
Equally encouraging, new exploration of the mechanics of depression indicates that we can help our mood and mental health by stimulating brain growth. Researchers have found that new brain cell growth is essential for the working of antidepressants. The team from UT Southwestern Medical Center demonstrated that antidepressants stopped producing benefits without new nerve cell growth in the brain region called the dentate gyrus. And German researchers have found that stress inhibits new neural cell growth, thereby contributing to depression.
Which brings us back to brain exercise. Two activities are known to stimulate new nerve cell growth in the dentate gyrus: aerobic exercise and working-memory activation. While we've known for decades that aerobic exercise benefits us for many reasons, the finding that brain exercise can not only help keep us sharp but can also help keep us chipper is a welcome discovery.
It's important to note that not all brain exercises produce these benefits to any significant degree. Casual brain teasers or games that don't demand our full focus and attention over an extended period will likely not be much use. The conditions for new nerve cell growth call for intense concentration at a novel and rewarding mental task.
It pays to check the scientific pedigree of the training exercises the training program incorporates. Does the vendor specify what the training will accomplish, what measurable gains to expect in memory or processing ability? Does the product come with a training schedule, indicating how much time you should devote to the exercises and over what period?
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. - 16003
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 training software under the brand name Mind Sparke.
