In recent decades there has been an explosion of interest in physical fitness. We know that cardiovascular exercises improve our mood and that weight training prevents bone loss. we have tried yoga and we have dedicated ourselves to the elliptical machine.
But what about mental fitness? Now that Americans are living longer than ever, researchers, psychiatrists, and other clinicians are turning their attention to how we can keep minds sharp and clear-headed, as well as optimize happiness and creativity. It’s no wonder that many of the same practices used for fitness are also good for the brain.
You are reading: Books about brain health
Each book below provides a host of science-based tips to keep your brain fit and your body healthier as you age.
1. wiring happiness by rick hanson, ph.d.
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Do you want to have a happier and more peaceful brain? Rick Hanson says that we first have to overcome our negativity bias, or how our brains learn more easily from negative experiences than positive ones. His book explores his “healing” method: having a positive experience, enriching it, absorbing it, linking it with negative thoughts and feelings to calm and eventually replace them (well, that’s a long l). practice daily and you can shift your brain to a happier, more nurturing place, according to the book.
2. change your brain, change your life by dr. Daniel G. amen
neuropsychiatrist daniel amen offers scientific evidence on how to optimize brain function. the case studies he presents indicate that anxiety, depression, anger, and obsessive-compulsive behavior are related to the functioning of brain structures and that, in fact, the functioning of these structures can be changed. His “brain recipes” for making those changes include breathing techniques, dietary improvements, meditation, self-hypnosis, and writing exercises.
3. your creative brain by shelley carson, ph.d.
harvard psychology professor shelley carson, ph.d., shows how states of brain activation (“brainsets”) influence the way we think, approach problems, and perceive the world. Ella’s “create” model comprises seven states of brain activation that she says can enhance her creative brain and mental functioning: connecting, reasoning, visualizing, absorbing, transforming, evaluating, and transmitting. she encourages the reader to use specially designed quizzes, problem-solving techniques, and self-assessments to harness what she calls our most important asset, creativity.
4. boost your brain: the new art and science behind enhanced brain performance by dr. majid fotuhi and christina breda antoniades
boost your brain offers practical advice on how to achieve a “bigger and better brain”, based on more than 25 years of research in neuroscience. Find out which foods help build new synapses and which key behaviors to avoid. dr majid fotuhi explains that our brain size can increase (due to neuroplasticity) in just a few weeks, resulting in better concentration, memory, and creativity. for a bigger brain, he recommends physical training, stress reduction, meditation, cognitive skills training, and improved nutrition.
5. the brain warrior path: ignite your energy and focus, attack disease and aging, transform pain into purpose by dr. Daniel G. amen and tana amen, rn
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“The key to victory is between your ears,” writes psychiatrist and best-selling author Daniel Amen. fight against the constant barrage of technology, negative news and an unhealthy typical American diet, he says. While poor decisions can eventually lead to disease, the book advises that well-thought-out, goal-directed decisions can slow aging, help prevent dementia, and improve your health, focus, energy, and mood.
6. spark: the revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain by dr. John J. ratey
exercise is a master key to brain function, says dr. juan matey. He discovers the role exercise plays in our mental processes and why it’s the best defense against numerous health conditions and diseases, including depression, addiction, and Alzheimer’s disease. Matey’s research includes numerous case studies on the importance of exercise for your overall well-being.
7. Eat Full: The 21 Nutrients That Fuel Brainpower, Boost Weight Loss, & Transform by dr. drew ramsey
what you eat is directly related to the health of your brain, says drew ramsey, a psychiatrist. your brain affects your mood, health, concentration, memory, and appetite. By feeding him nutritious, his brain and body can function optimally. With 100 recipes, Eat Complete shows readers how to avoid nutritional deficiencies and stimulate the growth of new brain cells. Start your day with a cup of hot chocolate with turmeric and cinnamon if you want to slow down your brain’s aging process, advises draw.
sandra bienkowski is a regular contributor to live happy and founder and CEO of themediaconcierge.net.