When I took up brain training I never expected to find such a strong connection, or any connection, between brain exercise and my happiness level. On days when I'm in a good mood, I do better at the brain exercise; and on days when I do the brain exercise, it makes me feel happier and more relaxed. My fellow brain trainers report the same thing.
Science gives us insight into why this would be. Starting in 2005 with a study of Tibetan monks by Dr. Richard Davidson several studies have confirmed that the brain functions differently if we attain a state of peaceful meditation. Davidson measured the brain activity of the monks while they meditated and saw that the neurons fired much more regularly and with greater intensity than in the brain's of those not practiced in meditation.
My own experience, albeit in a much more limited way, mirrors these findings. If I take up the brain exercise when I'm feeling calm and peaceful, my brain more easily settles and stays on the task. If I meditate for a while between training sessions, the effect is enhanced. On the other hand, if I'm feeling fractured or weighed down I can't settle on the task and it becomes a great effort to hold items in working-memory.
The longer we work on these skills of mindful meditation, the studies found, the greater the effect.
Scientific studies also provide insight into the second phenomenon - that brain training makes us feel happier. Scientists have discovered that new neural growth is essential if antidepressants are to work effectively. Researchers from UT Southwestern showed that when they inhibited the growth of new nerve cells in an area of the brain called the dentate gyrus, it inhibited the operation of antidepressants. In a separate study, German researchers showed that chronic stress inhibits new neural cell growth, leading to a greater risk of depression.
Which brings us back to brain exercise. Two activities are known to stimulate new nerve cell growth in the dentate gyrus: aerobic exercise and working-memory activation. While we've known for decades that aerobic exercise benefits us for many reasons, the finding that brain exercise can not only help keep us sharp but can also help keep us chipper is a welcome discovery.
It's important to note that not all brain exercises produce these benefits to any significant degree. Casual brain teasers or games that don't demand our full focus and attention over an extended period will likely not be much use. The conditions for new nerve cell growth call for intense concentration at a novel and rewarding mental task.
If you're looking for a brain training program, you should see what the vendor says about the training method. Is it based on hard science with proven results? Are the improvements you should expect well defined? Avoid products that make only vague or general references to these things, and those that don't provide a schedule for the product's use.
I didn't begin brain training to improve my mood. The benefits to my mental sharpness and long term mental health were more than enough persuasion. But I am enjoying this unanticipated side effect.
Science gives us insight into why this would be. Starting in 2005 with a study of Tibetan monks by Dr. Richard Davidson several studies have confirmed that the brain functions differently if we attain a state of peaceful meditation. Davidson measured the brain activity of the monks while they meditated and saw that the neurons fired much more regularly and with greater intensity than in the brain's of those not practiced in meditation.
My own experience, albeit in a much more limited way, mirrors these findings. If I take up the brain exercise when I'm feeling calm and peaceful, my brain more easily settles and stays on the task. If I meditate for a while between training sessions, the effect is enhanced. On the other hand, if I'm feeling fractured or weighed down I can't settle on the task and it becomes a great effort to hold items in working-memory.
The longer we work on these skills of mindful meditation, the studies found, the greater the effect.
Scientific studies also provide insight into the second phenomenon - that brain training makes us feel happier. Scientists have discovered that new neural growth is essential if antidepressants are to work effectively. Researchers from UT Southwestern showed that when they inhibited the growth of new nerve cells in an area of the brain called the dentate gyrus, it inhibited the operation of antidepressants. In a separate study, German researchers showed that chronic stress inhibits new neural cell growth, leading to a greater risk of depression.
Which brings us back to brain exercise. Two activities are known to stimulate new nerve cell growth in the dentate gyrus: aerobic exercise and working-memory activation. While we've known for decades that aerobic exercise benefits us for many reasons, the finding that brain exercise can not only help keep us sharp but can also help keep us chipper is a welcome discovery.
It's important to note that not all brain exercises produce these benefits to any significant degree. Casual brain teasers or games that don't demand our full focus and attention over an extended period will likely not be much use. The conditions for new nerve cell growth call for intense concentration at a novel and rewarding mental task.
If you're looking for a brain training program, you should see what the vendor says about the training method. Is it based on hard science with proven results? Are the improvements you should expect well defined? Avoid products that make only vague or general references to these things, and those that don't provide a schedule for the product's use.
I didn't begin brain training to improve my mood. The benefits to my mental sharpness and long term mental health were more than enough persuasion. But I am enjoying this unanticipated side effect.
About the Author:
Oxford-trained scientist, author, and technologist, Martin G. Walker is a member of The British Neuroscience Association, Learning and The Brain, and MENSA. His company Mind Evolve Software publishes free information on the field of neuroscience and brain training as well as effective and affordable brain training software under the brand name Mind Sparke.
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