5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain

I found this information in an article from Oprah's Thought for Today Newsletter...

A Little Movement
Even just a bit of exercise will actually grow brain cells. In fact, a study in 2011 showed that older adults who walked just 40 minutes a day three days a week reversed age-related brain cell loss by 1-2 years. Come on people! 40 minutes a day of WALKING! You got this!

Take a Deep Breath
True story: people who meditate at least 20 minutes a day show change in the amygdala, which regulates emotion... Huh, now all I need is 20 minutes of quiet!

Roll in the Hay
I'm going to let you figure this one out... and yep, it sprouts new cells and decreases anxiety.

Toss It
Literally, toss something. Apparently (and according to an Oxford study) people who practiced juggling 30 minutes a day for six weeks grew new cells in areas of the brain associated with processing visual information into movement. Some benefits might include an increase in coordination and faster reflexes.

And.. Toss the GPS
Apparently, older adults with better navigation skills have more gray matter in their hippocampi (yes, this is in your brain) and helps decrease the risk of dementia. Huh... now I'm wondering how I will get anywhere on time...

Now you know! 

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe:

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup white whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp clove
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg (I used a flax egg. 1T flax meal + 3 T water)
1/4 cup light oil (I used 1/4 cup applesauce)
1/4 cup applesauce (so total of 1/2 applesauce for recipe)
2-3 T milk (I used almond milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 T molasses (optional)
1/3 cup carob chips, non dairy chips or even sub for raisins

Heat oven to 350. Mix dry ingredients, then wet ingredients. Stir together and fold in chocolate chips. I added pecans to mine and really liked the added crunch/flavor. Enjoy!! 

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