Heard of the Healthy Mind Platter? Hint: It Includes Meditation
The Healthy Mind Platter includes the essential activities that your brain needs to function at its best today and stave off serious health issues tomorrow.
Developed in conjunction with the NeuroLeadership Institute in Sydney, Australia and the University of California-Los Angeles School of Medicine, the Healthy Mind Platter involves seven daily activities - or habits - to bolster both your brainpower and level of happiness.
Do you get enough of them? No? Then make time. You'll be happier and healthier.
1. Time In: Time for Meditation (Try it now), Yoga and Prayer.
Do this daily to build neuronal connections that may reduce your risk of dementia.
2. Play: Time to laugh and simply enjoy.
Playing, doing spontaneous things, ejoying the moment sparks new connections in the brain.
3. Focus: Time to freely focus on whatever you're doing
Paying close attention stimultaes brain cell connections, keeping them strong and growing.
4. Connection: Time to relate, visit, and connect with others.
Making personal connections releases stress reducing, mood enhancing brain chemicals, like oxytocin and serotonin.
5. Exercise: Time to get moving.
Exercise releases chemicals that help the brain produce new cells, to improve improve memory and learning.
6. Down Time: Time to do nothing but just be.
Giving your mind a break recharges your brain circuitry.
7. Sleep: Time to rest and recharge.
Not getting enough spikes cortisol, lowers immunity and dulls creativity.
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About The Author CJ Kenna is a Founding Director at the nonprofit Rock The Path, a Hemi-Sync Meditation & Retreat Center in Camden, Maine. She facilitates meditative retreats, including the popular Excursion Retreat.