Education
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we are often reminded to take a step back to appreciate the little things we often take for granted in our lives. Outside of the "Thanksgiving season," could having an optimistic, positive attitude help keep you healthy? There’s some evidence that it might. Several studies suggest that having an optimistic attitude - the general feeling that good things will happen - may be connected with health benefits, such as; improved cholesterol levels, a boost in your immune response, and a lower risk of death from serious health conditions. What’s more, research suggests that there are things you can do - even if you’re not so much of a positive person - to help improve your attitude and outlook.
Over the past year, Larry and Kate developed an interest in wood working but unfortunately knew nothing about it. During the pandemic, they read books, watched YouTube videos and even went to classes at a local hardware store. It is here that they met others in the community with similar interests and learned from carpenters that have been doing it for decades.
Your liver and kidneys might normally get all the credit when it comes to detoxification, but did you know that your body also has another extensive system in place that helps detoxify your brain? If you’re wondering what a “brain detox” is all about" or “how can I clean my brain?” – you’ve come to the right place.
If you find yourself constantly feeling fatigued, distracted, moody and just plain “off,” you’re likely dealing with some sort of “brain fog.” Brain fog has become an unwanted side effect of our fast-paced, industrialized lifestyle and more recently, COVID-19 survivors.
Can the way we think about ourselves and our abilities shape our lives? Absolutely. The way we think about our intellect and talents not only affects the way we feel, it can also affect what we achieve, whether we stick to new habits, or if we will go on to develop new skills. A growth mindset means that you believe your intelligence and talents can be developed over time. A fixed mindset means that you believe intelligence is fixed—so if you’re not good at something, you might believe you’ll never be good at it.
Most people in the scientific community now accept that the brain continues to repair itself and create new brain cells throughout life. The birth of new neurons in the brain is referred to as neurogenesis. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a group of small protein-like molecules called neurotrophins that are responsible for neurogenesis or the development of new neurons and for the health and maintenance of mature ones.
You’ve probably heard the term “nootropic” talked about a lot recently. Like Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), it’s a trendy word right now. But what does it mean? According to the dictionary, a nootropic is a substance that enhances cognition and memory and facilitates learning. Slang dictionaries erroneously call them “smart drugs.”
According to a new study in the NeuroImage scientific journal, exercise can freshen and renovate the white matter in our brains, potentially improving our ability to think and remember as we age. White matter, which connects and supports the cells in our brains, changes for the better as we become more physically active.
The concept of a “healthy brain” is fairly new, but one that is growing in importance. Here at Procera, we believe that the brain can be positively impacted by dietary choices, brain-specific supplementation, and lifestyle habits. Once it was thought that it was only important to look after the developing brain (birth until the early 20s).
What is your go-to method for stress relief? Do you take a walk? Listen to music? Do you binge-watch Netflix? Everyone experiences stress and has a way of dealing with it. What might be a minor issue for some can be completely overwhelming for others. While there is no one-size-fits-all response, some ways to relieve stress can be unhealthy and even harmful. If any of these behaviors describe you, perhaps it’s time to consider some new stress-relief strategies.
Our research shows that people that stay active and play old fashioned games such as crossword puzzles score better on cognitive exams. It is therefore very important to keep your brain engaged in mental stimulation activities as you age. Think of these seven activities like exercises for your brain.
A few years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term impact of the virus on health & wellness continues to confuse doctors and scientists. Particularly concerning for doctors and patients alike are lingering side effects, such as memory loss, reduced attention and an inability to think straight. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever!
