Why is it that centenarians (someone over 100 years “young”) amaze us with their alert and youthful ability to live well beyond the average lifespan of most of us, both mentally and physically? Some of them would contribute their longevity to their daily rituals, while others would say it’s in their genetic makeup. Both may be true, but here’s one thing that’s a pretty common thread amongst them: They stay mentally and physically engaged challenging their body-mind connection on a regular basis. Perhaps they don’t know it, but because of their intent to mentally stay active, their body naturally responds to the invitation through a systematic approach we all possess called the “Neuromuscular Junction”. Each time we challenge our brain we stimulate neurons inside our brain, which in turn connects with other neurons and our skeletal muscles. Through using a primary memory/attention chemical called “acetylcholine”, the brain interacts with the body/muscles through a systematic recall process. Dopamine, another chemical produced through the brain, kicks in to help regulate our fine motor skills and movement. The result of this continuous interaction produces more neuron connections, which in turn builds the bridge between the mind and body.
Take my 104 year young neighbor, Mrs. Hitt, as a great example. She (religiously and faithfully) plays bridge every week, stays physically active and is better known for her “social butterfly” status around her community. Her recollection is unmatched by most, recalling events from 100 years ago and yesterday, with remarkable clarity and consistency. If I were to ask her “how she does it” she would give you one simple response: “I keep active”. And she does. Like most, Mrs. Hitt has her “devices” – maybe an afternoon snack that seems forbidden (a piece of chocolate) or a daily ritual that doesn’t appear to really matter (walking around her garden/yard, the mall, etc). In truth, it’s not so much the devices that keep Mrs. Hitt mentally well but what challenges her brain to consistently create new neurons on a regular basis. Without performing both mental and physical challenges that stretch us beyond our normal routine, our body will soon follow suit and stop building new connections. Perhaps Mrs. Hitt and her bridge partners would agree. It seems not only does she have age defying memory and never unending stamina, her “game skills” are unmatched by most of her much “younger” opponents. Why? Continuously challenging mental and physical exercise = a healthier brain.
Exercise is often undervalued when it comes to our overall wellness, when it should be “underscored” for its greatest benefit to our bodies: Physical exercise keeps our brain healthy. Our muscular composition is much like a threaded structure, interweaving and building strong connections that lead back to the brain. Each time we exercise, we connect the “weaving” of those threads which eventually benefit the mind/body connection. It’s more than just 20% of our overall result (a statement often used when describing the benefits of exercise for weight loss); it’s 100% of the reason why we need exercise as part of our overall wellness program. Without a healthy amount of physical exercise every day we stand to lose those memory connections and their benefits back to us. Inactivity creates a downward spiral in our mind-body connection while activity enhances our ability to stimulate the growth of healthy neurons.
Exercise for the “body mind” connection
Learning to do simple everyday challenging things to help stimulate your brain is the key for increasing your neurological map in the brain.
*Change a routine. Find a new method to an old process. If you’re right handed, try using your left hand for a day (brushing your hair/teeth, opening doors, eating with a fork/spoon).
*Learn something new each day. If you like to read, pick a book, publication or subject that’s outside your normal area of interest and challenge your brain to learn something new.
*Exercise regime. Stop doing the same thing every time you exercise. For example, find a new exercise move that challenges you physically. Take a new exercise class that avoids a systematic routine (i.e. circuit training, an aerobics, spin, step class that you haven’t taken before).
*Games. Instead of watching television, pick up a deck of cards or a phone app and challenge yourself to learn a new game.
The key to making our body and mind healthy is found in what we challenge it to do on a daily basis. The more we stretch and challenge our body, the more we bless our brain.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Stimulation between the body and the mind promotes healthy connections, benefiting our overall wellness.
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