Just Like Kids

What do mature people and children have in common? Brains that can strengthen and build and become more functional! That very good news is called neuroplasticity, if you want to be polysyllabic about it. Just like your body, your brain likes to work out to get more fit. I heard that an example of the kind of challenge that builds the brain is the type of frustration and mental work that comes from learning a new language–that struggle of pulling up newly-learned words. And then I heard (from Karyn Purvis research) that, in order to build new neural connections, you need 400 repetitions unless it’s done in play, in which case 10-20 is enough. Putting that all together suggests that language, puzzles, crafts, imagination challenges, and all other mental activities, as well as challenges of everyday living, can all benefit your brain more if they’re also fun (which is kinda fun anyway). This is the childhood we should never have left behind!

Suggestion from Mariah Kaye, Senior Fitness Specialist, offering more fitness choices through MoveAnyWayFitness.com.