Category Archives: Mind/Body

Changing Your (Cognitive) Fitness Habits

So we’ve read it in many studies: Physical exercise is important and contributes to a healthy life style. It has also been shown to be essential for cognitive health, helping us not only to remain physically fit but also to maintain mental sharpness. Today, however, researchers find that it is not enough to inform people. [...]

Intelligence and Creativity

Most of us have a general concept of what intelligence is but, similar to the intangible concepts of happiness and love, our personal definition of intelligence is influenced by our own understanding of the concept. We tend to define intelligence in many ways: The capacity to learn The faculty of understanding An aptitude in grasping [...]

How Our Attention Works

Last week we gave a summarizing overview of what is currently known about memory. This week we take a look at attention. Attention is generally defined as our ability to selectively focus on one thing, idea, or task while filtering out other distractions. Another way to describe attention is selective concentration. Attention is the function [...]

7 Ways to Improve Your Level of Happiness

In the most unsophisticated terms, happiness is truly a state of mind. Our level of happiness influences our everyday thoughts and actions. If we feel happy we see the world through a different lens than the lens of those that have a gloomy outlook on life. This week I outline seven easy things you can [...]

7 Ways to Improve Your Energy and Mental Focus

This Brain Fitness for Life blog  has delivered several articles on ways to keep your memory sharp. Many of you have also inquired about ways to keep your natural energy up throughout the day to help you concentrate better. There are some simple, scientifically proven, things you can do during the course of the day [...]

Mediterranean Diet Might Protect Against Alzheimer’s

It is well documented that a diet rich in antioxidants, leafy greens, nuts and fish benefits the body in a whole host of different ways. Fresh produce, fish – especially the kind rich in omega-3s like mackerel and salmon – and nuts provide lean protein, healthy fats and plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals to [...]

How Moms Help Our Brain

Being a mom is one of the most important (and often under-appreciated) jobs in the world. We owe our mothers a debt of gratitude. According to data collected by Happy Worker, your mom probably changed your diaper over 7,300 times before your second birthday. As a toddler, chances are you demanded your mom’s attention about [...]

101 New Year’s Resolutions

It’s the time  to reflect on the past year 2009 and set new personal goals for the coming year 2010. We have a few ideas for you – some simple, some bigger. The important thing is to resolve to change something. Consider the positive effects on your brain. You’ll be all the better for it…. [...]

The Best Holiday Brain Foods

Just in  time for the Holidays, here’s a list of healthy brain foods. Incorporate some into your Holiday feasts with friends and family…. Wholegrain foods: Your memory will love it! It has also been proved that higher levels of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 made it easier for women to recall information. Fortified [...]

More Brain Facts

You may find this primer about brain development and functioning, created by the Society of Neuroscience quite interesting. They are a nonprofit  organization of scientists and physicians who study the brain and nervous system and whose mission it to research and educate. The primer is called Brain Facts. It’s written with a non-medical audience in [...]