You’re probably already convinced of the importance of physical exertion, going outside, and staying physically fit and active. But what about your mental fitness and health?

To get each of us thinking more clearly about the things we should — and shouldn’t — be doing to optimize the health of our bodies and our brains, we talk to the neuroscientist, Dr. Michael Merzenich, about how, through training, we can keep up and improve the health of our brains — just as we know that, through proper exercise, we can keep up and improve the health of our bodies.

We discuss with Dr. Merzenich the important neurological benefits of going fast, going outside, and undertaking new activities; the more effective and less effective ways to exercise our brains; how we might be able to avoid certain neurological disorders with proper training; the changes to our brains caused by the time so many of us — and our kids — are spending in front of phone, computer, and TV screens; and more.

TOPICS & TIMES:

• Dr. Merzenich’s background (4:22)
• Discoveries in “neuroplasticity” (10:42)
• Outdoor sports & your brain (17:44)
• Exercising your brain vs. gathering information (24:58)
• Preventing neurological disorders through training (37:07)
• Generosity & Joy - their neurological significance (45:47)
• How screens & social media are changing our brains (49:46)

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