Staying Sharp: 5 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power

Neurogenesis

The brain’s ability to generate new cells is known as neurogenesis. It’s a vital function to maintain optimal brain functioning and mental health. In fact, the inevitable loss of motor (movement) and cognitive (thinking) skills that comes with old age happens because old brain cells are dying off faster than new ones can come online. This happens because the number of new cells that get created – and how quickly they are created – declines as you get older. But the choices you make play a big role in how this process plays out. Scientists have identified certain factors that seem to amp up the process of neurogenesis, with a whole host of amazing benefits for young and old alike. The more I learned about these factors, I realized: Fr. Marco did (almost) all of these things! No wonder he seemed immune to the effects of aging.

1. Dust off those workout clothes

Breaking news: Exercise is good for you. White its wide-ranging benefits have been known for decades, the biological underpinnings have been difficult to explain. Now scientists think they have discovered one of the primary ways exercise leads to such diverse benefits as a better mood and lower rates of Alzheimer’s: it promotes the growth of new brain cells, especially in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is the brain region responsible for learning, storing long-term memories, and regulating emotions. Sustained aerobic exercise in particular (think: jogging, swimming and power walking) has been found to increase the growth of brain cells in this part of the brain. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that aerobic exercise increased the size of the hippocampus by quite a bit – 2% on average – and reversed age-related cell loss by 1 to 2 years. It does this primarily by producing a protein known as BDNF, which acts like a fertilizer for brain cell growth.

Even at 82-years-old, Fr. Marco jogged 3 miles every morning on the high school track. Whether he knew it or not, this jog provided the fertilizer that kept his brain producing new neurons and keeping his mind sharp.

3. Have sex… or relieve stress another way

Sex has been found to spur the growth of brain cells. A 2013 study found that both single and repeated sexual experiences led to the growth of new brain cells. The benefits, however, did not last forever. A prolonged withdrawal period erased the gains, indicating that frequency is as important as the act itself.

Dr. Sahay suggests that it is not so much the physical act of having sex as much as what it does: relieve stress. “Sex is pleasurable and a stress reliever, and research shows that chronic stress blocks neurogenesis,” says Dr. Sahay. “So any activity you find rewarding and that lowers stress levels can have a similar effect.” Meditation, for example, has also been linked to neurogenesis in numerous studies. Considering that stress levels are on the rise all over the world, it’s vital information to know that stress blocks the growth of new brain cells – and also that our everyday choices can reverse that process. 

But if you are tired and feel more like sitting on the couch and eating chocolate than exercising, meditating or having sex, I have some great news…

5. Brush your teeth with your other hand

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, into what researchers call enriched learning environments, has been found to encourage neural growth. Let’s look at some examples, which cover a wide range of different tasks.

A 2015 study in The Journal of Neuroscience found that playing three-dimensional video games improved memory performance 12% more than playing two-dimensional games. The researchers suggested that this is due to the increased complexity – the three-dimensional games require storing and recalling more information. Dr. Sahay, from Massachusetts General Hospital, says this study has implications beyond video games: “Any type of similarly enriched experience that makes you focus your attention, even for brief periods, can have the same effect in the hippocampus,” he says. He went on to say that it can be as simple as brushing your teeth or eating your food with your non-dominant hand. Or as big as traveling, learning a new skill or language. Whatever it is, living in these enriched learning environments has been found to encourage brain cell growth.

So challenge yourself. Seek out tasks that are a little more difficult, and require you to be focused and engaged. 

Do you have other ideas of how to have more enriching experiences throughout your day? Add them in the comments section below.