Hey, did you know that you’re lugging around a 3-pound wrinkly brain in your head that’s running the show behind the scenes?
It’s the ultimate control centre, responsible for everything from your thoughts, learning, creativity, and emotions to even your blinks, breaths, and heartbeats. I mean, how cool is that?
Even the greats like scientists have hailed it as “the most complex thing we have yet discovered in our universe.” So, if you ever feel like you’re not in control, just remember that your brain has got your back!
The vast realm of our gray matter remains a fascinating mystery, but with cutting-edge research, we’re unlocking its secrets.
You won’t believe the surprising truths, myth-busting revelations, and mind-boggling facts we’ve uncovered about the human thinking machine!
1. THE FASCINATING WORLD OF NEURONS
Did you know your brain is a cosmic wonderland, packed with over 100 billion neurons? That’s more than the number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy!
That’s more than the number of tweets on Twitter! And the fun doesn’t stop there – each of these neurons is connected to hundreds or thousands of others through synapses.
But here’s the real kicker, these connections aren’t set in stone. Nope, they can change and adapt based on our experiences, allowing us to learn and grow as individuals. So, next time you’re feeling small and insignificant, just remember that your brain is a universe of possibilities waiting to be explored
2. YOUR BUSY BEE BRAIN
Did you know that an incredible brain imaging technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can measure your brain’s activity while you do different tasks? It’s like spying on your brain! And get this – most of our brain is active most of the time, even when we’re just doing something as simple as tying our shoelaces. Crazy, right? But wait, there’s more! Even when we’re resting or sleeping, much of our brain is still hard at work. The percentage of brainpower in use varies from person to person and depends on what we’re up to. So next time you think you’re only using a small portion of your brain, think again!
3. THE ASTONISHING DISCOVERY OF BRAIN SURGERY AMONG THE STONE AGE PEOPLE
Can you believe it? Stone Age people may have been performing brain surgery! That’s right, according to medical historian Ira Rutkow, there is evidence to suggest that our ancient ancestors were capable of such feats.
Picture this: skulls dating back to Neolithic times have been discovered with grooves in them where portions of the skull have been removed. And get this, it was all done by hand! Rutkow explains that if you take a closer look, it’s clear that these procedures were not performed with any advanced medical technology.
Now, there’s no written record of Stone Age neurosurgery, but that doesn’t stop Rutkow from theorising that it may have been done by a shaman on a patient, he goes on to say.”With many of these older skulls, new bone growth had already formed, and bone in the skull can only form if the patient is alive,”
Can you imagine going under the knife with just a shaman to guide you? It’s mind-boggling to think about.
4. WHY YOUR BRAIN ISN’T FULLY MATURE YET
Did you know that even though we may legally become adults at 18, our brains are not fully mature until we hit our mid-twenties? That’s right, science says so! But here’s the kicker – our brains can continue to grow beyond our twenties.
Research shows that the prefrontal cortex is the last part of the brain to finish developing, and it matures from back to front. So, let’s cut ourselves some slack for not having it all together just yet – our brains are still a work in progress!
5. THE LIGHTBULB MOMENT!
Did you know that electricity isn’t just confined to power outlets and lightning bolts? It’s present in your very own body!
Yep, you heard that right. Our cells have a knack for conducting electrical currents for the nervous system to send signals throughout the body and to the brain.
And that’s not all – these currents are essential for keeping our nervous system up and running, helping us move, think, and feel our best.
But there’s more! How do these tiny, mighty cells manage to control these electric currents?
Well, it all boils down to the charged elements in our body, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These cleverly charged particles, also known as ions, are used by almost all our cells to generate the electrical energy needed to keep our bodies functioning like clockwork. Pretty cool, huh?
FANCY SCHMANCY STUFF
Did you know that the prefrontal cortex, aka the big boss of the brain, is responsible for all the fancy-schmancy stuff like decision-making, problem-solving, and organised thinking? Oh, it doesn’t stop there!
It’s also in charge of personality development and impulse control! But wait, there’s more!
During adolescence, the reward centres of the brain are partying the most, but by the mid-20s, they calm down to normal levels. That’s when individuals become less susceptible to peer pressure and ace risk management. Your brain is truly fascinating!
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT SIZE!
Did you know that an adult brain weighs roughly 3 pounds? Surprisingly, the cerebrum makes up a whopping 85% of that weight, while the brain only accounts for about 2% of our overall body weight. The texture? Think firm jelly.
Here’s a fun fact: Ivan Turgenev, a Russian writer, had the heaviest normal human brain on record, weighing in at a whopping 4.43 pounds!
On the other hand, the smallest brain belonged to a woman and was a mere 2.41 pounds. Who knew brain weight could be so fascinating?
THE SCIENCE BEHIND HOW SOCIALISING KEEPS YOUR BRAIN YOUNG
Did you know that staying sharp as you age isn’t just about acquiring knowledge? Nope, it’s also about keeping that social life in check!
According to Anthony Cirillo, FACHE, ABC, president of the healthcare consulting firm The Aging Experience, indulging in meaningful social activities can help maintain or even boost brain function. So, why not socialise your way to a smarter, sharper you?
Did you know that staying socially active can boost your brain power as you age? The memory center in seniors’ brains not only maintained their size but also experienced modest growth in men after participating in a program that engaged them in meaningful and social activities.
So, if you want to keep your mind sharp and agile, go ahead and volunteer, catch up with some old friends and family, and join some happening social groups – it’s good for your brain!
HOW MULTITASKING AFFECTS YOUR PRODUCTIVITY
Are you still under the impression that multitasking is the ultimate display of intelligence? Are you tired of feeling drained and unproductive? Well, let me break it to you – multitasking can do more damage than good!
Research suggests that multitasking can lead to taking longer to complete each task Not to mention the negative impact it can have on your memory, sleep, and stress levels.
Dr. Chapman brilliantly explains that multitasking hijacks the frontal lobes of our brain, which is supposed to be the centre of our higher-order thoughts. So, when you juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, your brain switches back and forth rapidly between multiple tasks. zapping your creativity, inducing errors, and hindering your ability to prioritise effectively.
But fear not, my friends! By focusing on one task at a time, you can become a high-performing superstar. So, let’s give a round of applause to single-tasking, the true hero of productivity!
Read more here…https://centerforbrainhealth.org/article/the-one-thing-you-should-stop-doing-while-wfh
HOW TO REMEMBER NAMES AND FACES LIKE A PRO
Have you ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why you went in there? Join the club! But there are techniques to help boost your memory. According to the esteemed Dr. Chapman, writing down important information as soon as possible is crucial for accurate recollection.
But wait, there’s more! Our brains crave stimulation, so simply memorising something won’t cut it. To solidify a memory, try mnemonic devices such as repeating the information out loud.
So the next time you meet someone new, don’t just awkwardly stare at them – say their name out loud and impress them with your newfound memory prowess!
How about we coin a catchy saying? “Lucy loves juicy berries!” Oh, and let’s not forget the handy acronym we can use for our grocery list – R.A.I.N (Rice, Apples, Ice cream, and Nuts).
These clever techniques stimulate the brain to create new neural pathways, making it easier to recall information. Who knew memorization could be this fun and playful?
THE SURPRISING CONNECTION BETWEEN SEX AND BRAIN HEALTH
If you’re searching for a reason to jump into bed, well, guess what? The deed might enhance your brain’s processing power, particularly as you age.
Believe it or not, animal studies have demonstrated that a roll in the hay can improve mental functioning and encourage the growth of new neurons in the part of the brain that controls memory.
And now, innovative research on humans shows that older folks who indulge in sexual activities score higher on cognitive examinations than others who don’t.
Apart from that, getting busy also lowers anxiety and depression, promotes sleep, and is thus beneficial for overall brain health. So, what are you waiting for? Get it on to get smarter!
Read more here.. Having Sex Improves Memory and Boosts Brain Growth – Motherly
You are now officially a brainy bunch after learning all these amazing brain facts! Can you believe it?
Now it’s time to show off your newfound knowledge and impress your friends and family with your genius brainy powers! Get out there and show them what you’ve got!