How to Sharpen Your Brain with Your Heart

Like many baby boomers, I’ve been noticing my memory isn’t as sharp as it once was. Scientists call this “cognitive decline.” I don’t really like that expression, because other aspects of my cognitive functions are sharper than ever. For example, more often I can’t remember where I put my car keys or I enter a room forgetting why I went there and have to retrace my steps back to where I started to remember. However, my problem-solving abilities and intuitive discernment are getting more keen and refined.

A recent CNN news report said cognitive decline begins around age forty. I’ve read other reports that say we are sharpest up to age 25-35. One thing these reports hardly ever discuss is how our emotions affect our cognitive functions and that we can improve our minds, not just by playing puzzles or going back to school, but by reducing our stress and increasing how much time we spend in positive emotional states.

Stressful emotions that we all experience at times, like anxiety or worry, anger and fear, invariably lead to stress and tend to cause a desynchronization in the activity in the brain and nervous system, which directly impairs cognitive functions. In fact, it’s well established that ongoing stress is a major contributor to the decline of our cognitive functions. On the other hand, when we have a more positive outlook, when we’re feeling hopeful, appreciative, caring and loving, it improves the way our brain and nervous system process information.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Eternal G.

7:56PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Nice one!

send a green star

Emily S.

1:25PM PST on Feb 20, 2012

Very cool!

Rosie L.

12:07PM PST on Feb 15, 2012

great article thank you!!!

paul m.

2:12PM PST on Feb 10, 2012

I'm learning this at the moment

Alan G.

1:15PM PST on Feb 10, 2012

I am very pro meditation, but this was a HEartMath advertisement

J.L. A.

8:29AM PST on Feb 10, 2012

So often adults choose to think they have arrived and don't need to continue to grow and learn--this article affirms that means they have chosen, sadly, to decline...

Fadia C.

4:35AM PST on Feb 9, 2012

thanks

Past Member .

8:53PM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Interesting.

Dakota P.

8:32AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

keep these coming I love this article