Here I take a look at some of the evidence linking education and occupation with better cognitive function in older age. Rich lifetime experiences like higher education or engaging in mentally challenging occupations have a major influence on how you age cognitively. This is because mentally stimulating activities help build cognitive reserve. Cognitive… Continue Reading
White water kayakers and musicians experience it. So do video-gamers, rock climbers, and experienced meditators. If you’ve ever lost complete track of time or your sense of self when you’re engrossed in a satisfying task, chances are you’ve experienced it too. The optimal state of consciousness in which you perform and feel your best… Continue Reading
Imagine this: thinking about exercise strengthens your muscles, even if you don’t move an inch. Mental imagery not only activates the same brain regions as the actual movement but also can speed up the learning of a new skill. Mental imagery and sports performance Mental imagery, mental practice, or visualisation is a technique… Continue Reading
We tend to think of our emotions such as anger, sadness or guilt, as something to avoid at all costs. But research finds that negative emotions, anger in particular, also have an upside. Putting your negative emotions to good use. All emotions are useful, even the ones we tend to think of as negative… Continue Reading
Work harder? Why do some people fail to achieve their goals, even when they start with the very best of intentions? Are they poorly disciplined? Are they lacking in willpower or motivation? Here I look why the best-laid plans go awry, and a simple evidence-based strategy that will help you achieve your goals for 2017.… Continue Reading
Last month I was invited to speak to a group of young people brought together to create innovative road safety solutions for their peers. The problem they are trying to solve is this: 88% of young drivers admit to using their mobile phones while driving. Texting is the most prevalent behaviour, at traffic… Continue Reading
You can teach an old brain new tricks. But it takes more than simply waving a magic neuroplasticity wand and saying “Rewire my brain!” Brain plasticity encompasses a number neurobiological mechanisms by which our human brains and minds learn, change, and master new skills. The capacity for brain plasticity varies across the lifespan. During infancy… Continue Reading
Health Check: four key ways to improve your brain health Anthony Hannan, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health The human brain is the most extraordinary and complex object in the known universe, a kilogram and a half of soft tissue that, at its peak, leaves computers behind with its endless capacity for problem solving,… Continue Reading
Has mindfulness mediation become the latest bandwagon to jump on? Over the past few years I’ve written about mindfulness and meditation numerous times, both on this blog and elsewhere. I’ve read the research on the ‘neuroscience of meditation‘, and how such practices can ‘change your brain’, improve your health and wellbeing, and train your attention. I’m aware… Continue Reading
The relationships between our thoughts, our biology, the world around us, and our health and wellbeing are complex. Add in the brain (the most complex of living structures, one that enabled humans to walk on the moon, map the human genome, and compose masterpieces of literature, art, and music) and you’re faced with a couple of… Continue Reading
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