Since I've been doing regular brain exercise, I've noticed an interesting correlation between brain training and my happiness or sense of well-being. If I'm feeling happy and relaxed, I do better at the brain exercise; and when I do the brain exercise, it makes me feel happier and more relaxed. And it seems that I am not alone - comments on this crop up regularly from other brain trainers.
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.
My own experience, albeit in a much more limited way, mirrors these findings. If I take up the brain exercise when I'm feeling calm and peaceful, my brain more easily settles and stays on the task. If I meditate for a while between training sessions, the effect is enhanced. On the other hand, if I'm feeling fractured or weighed down I can't settle on the task and it becomes a great effort to hold items in working-memory.
The researchers also found that the more we practice these skills, the better adapted our brains become, and the more responsive they are to the meditative state.
Scientific studies also provide insight into the second phenomenon - that brain training makes us feel happier. Scientists have discovered that new neural growth is essential if antidepressants are to work effectively. Researchers from UT Southwestern showed that when they inhibited the growth of new nerve cells in an area of the brain called the dentate gyrus, it inhibited the operation of antidepressants. In a separate study, German researchers showed that chronic stress inhibits new neural cell growth, leading to a greater risk of 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.
Not all brain exercises will be pronounced enough to stimulate significant neural growth. Casual brain teasers or games that don't demand concerted focus and attention for an extended period are unlikely to produce these results. New nerve cell growth demands 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.
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.
My own experience, albeit in a much more limited way, mirrors these findings. If I take up the brain exercise when I'm feeling calm and peaceful, my brain more easily settles and stays on the task. If I meditate for a while between training sessions, the effect is enhanced. On the other hand, if I'm feeling fractured or weighed down I can't settle on the task and it becomes a great effort to hold items in working-memory.
The researchers also found that the more we practice these skills, the better adapted our brains become, and the more responsive they are to the meditative state.
Scientific studies also provide insight into the second phenomenon - that brain training makes us feel happier. Scientists have discovered that new neural growth is essential if antidepressants are to work effectively. Researchers from UT Southwestern showed that when they inhibited the growth of new nerve cells in an area of the brain called the dentate gyrus, it inhibited the operation of antidepressants. In a separate study, German researchers showed that chronic stress inhibits new neural cell growth, leading to a greater risk of 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.
Not all brain exercises will be pronounced enough to stimulate significant neural growth. Casual brain teasers or games that don't demand concerted focus and attention for an extended period are unlikely to produce these results. New nerve cell growth demands 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.
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 fitness software under the brand name Mind Sparke.
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