Change and the Brain

“The only constant is change,” said Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher who lived in Turkey about 500 BC. One wonders how he could come to such a revelation in that era. Were we to stroll with him through his existence for a day, we would no doubt think time stood still when measured against our super-sonic pace in this 21st century.

Change is definitely a sure thing in our lives. Need proof? Buy a cell phone. Before one discovers all its features, it is obsolete. Or, teach in a public school. As soon as a curriculum/testing regimen is established, it is whisked away and another is demanded.

Change purely for the sake of change will rev up our engines. Ever move furniture around? Then you know what I mean. Ever shop at Walmart? Supposedly there is research to support the constant rearranging. It’s exhausting searching through the shifting aisles..

“All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward.” (Ellen Glasgow) In matters of the brain, though, maybe change for the sake of change is a good thing, perhaps contributing to growth in the gray matter by creating new connections.. Don’t believe you are stuck in a rut? Next time you reach for your jeans, stick the other leg in first. Bet you will have to sit down, or lean against the wall, or start over. Getting dressed never was so comical. Or brush your teeth with the other hand. How hard can that be? Or sit in a different pew in church.

That will stump your usual neighbors for sure. Little will they know you are giving them a push toward brain health, because challenging our minds has short term and long term benefits.

Staying busy with a group of friends or a special pal is a great way to keep those brain cells stirring. Active minds and active bodies seem to help each other out.

That keeps a check on our mental health. Learning to deal with anxiety, and to manage stress in a positive way may not only contribute to the quality of our lives but add to the number of years we live as well.

Sophia Loren said this..“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Have you seen a recent photo of Sophia? She is 80. I will consider any tips she wants to offer on staying young.

Now you have 3 more suggestions from the Alzheimer’s Association on maintaining brain health.
Stump yourself. Buddy up. Take care of mental health. The other 7 – break a sweat – exercise; butt out – quit smoking; heads up– use helmets/seat beltss; hit the books – keep learning; follow your heart – cardio health; fuel up – eat healthy foods; zzz’s – get enough sleep – complete their focus of brain awareness in the month of June. Don’t let your fun stop with the end of the month. “Shake it up” from here on out to keep that brain changing and growing for the better.