My brain is working better than it was 5–10 years ago, and here’s how I did it!
The idea that a typical brain “fails” with age is an outdated one. In fact, the human brain is built to get better with age! Otherwise, we would be dead at 40-50 like chimpanzees.
The brain shifts gears at age 40
There is a major shift in default network activity around age 40, whereby the brain deliberately slows down to facilitate integration and wisdom. This can slow down basic processes like working memory and long-term memory retrieval, but someone who keeps the mind from interfering with the brain can maneuver through this and master their cognitive capabilities. The brain is an organ—it is there to serve the whole person, unless the mind interferes.
Personally speaking—this is true! I graduated college in 1978. My brain is working better than it ever has, and it is certainly working better and faster than it was 5–10 years ago. My husband used to remember names much faster than me. Now, our jaws drop when I pull up a name faster than him!
I am not popping jellyfish supplements—or any supplements or medications at all, for that matter. My food is my medicine, but that is only the beginning.
Lifelong learning and neuroplasticity are key
Neuroplasticity rules! I used to let my mind say, “No no, you can’t do this, you will fail and look stupid or die,” but not anymore. I changed my mind to set my brain free.
Over the past 15 years, I have trained all five of my brain assets to keep growing by doing things for the first that are way outside this recovering MBA’s comfort zone. Some examples include:
- Founding the Brain Wealth brand of brain training
- Writing two books
- Joining a community singing group (produced a cold sweat!)
- Writing and producing a children’s play
- Acting in the ensemble for a community theater production on “Annie”
- Completing a 2-day, 19-mile hiking/camping trip in the Grand Canyon with a girlfriend (carrying our own equipment on the way up)
- Joining group exercise classes for yoga, pilates, and resistance training
- Serving as a theological mentor in a 4-year spiritual formation program
Once was enough for some of these things, but I’m glad I did them. Now, I am working on my chess game (after a 50-year hiatus) and a third book.
If you don’t know what brain assets, the default network, and neuroplasticity are, check out my book “Better with Age: The Ultimate Guide to Brain Training. “
Too much time sitting in front of screens weakens the will, the brain, and the bones. Time to go!
