Dr Michael Merzenich – Harnessing the Power of Brain Plasticity

A Humble and honest man with fantastic information for us all

After watching this, your brain will not be the same | Lara Boyd | TEDxV...

This is very good news for us oldies (not you of course) - our brains are changeable and trainable :-)

Jessamyn Stanley's Yoga for Every Body

As you may have guessed, I am a yoga fanatic.  My yoga journey started in earnest around 3 years ago when I was 61 years young.  I had dabbled and dipped my toes in the water since I was in my mid- twenties, starting off teaching myself with Richard Hittleman's fabulous book, "Richard Hittleman's Yoga 28-day Exercise Plan" which amazingly is still available from Amazon.

I have since gone on to become a yoga teacher myself, doing a course with Heather Elton in Goa - a magical experience indeed.

I am most impressed by those people who practice yoga despite not being the typical young and beautiful, slim, supple stereotypical yogis and yoginis and I take my hat off to them.

One such yogini is the inspirational 98-year-old yoga teacher, Tao Porchon-Lynch.  Wow, she's also a brilliant dancer.

Another is Jessamin Stanley who, despite being on the 'curvy' side, is an inspiration to all.

You can find her website here and she has lots more videos on You Tube.

Enjoy 

Study: Facebook can bring happiness

Comments from close friends improved well-being while likes did not

But it’s not as simple as hitting the “like” button.

So says a study from research at Carnegie Mellon University that examined Facebook users’ activity logs over several months, along with self-reported assessments of their psychological well-being. The study found that personalized Facebook comments from close friends led to statistically significant improvements in well-being, but that “one-click” communications such as likes did not.

“Likes are valuable for a lot of different reasons but in this case, we found that likes didn’t boost feelings of well-being — instead, comments did,” said Moira Burke, co-author of the study. “A comment is a signal that you care a lot about the person that you are sending it to.”

That finding is somewhat in contrast with numerous previous studies that have linked Internet use and depression.

The reason for the difference may be because this study, published in the July issue of the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, analyzed data points over several months, versus previous studies that just surveyed users at one point in time.

“Most studies in this space are not designed to show cause and effect,” said Ms. Burke, a research scientist at Facebook who conducted the research for this study while she was a PhD student at Carnegie Mellon. “They can’t tell whether using the Internet a lot makes you lonely, or whether you are using the Internet a lot to make you feel better.”

Data for this study was collected from 1,910 participants in 91 countries over three months in 2011. The researchers were given access to their activity logs to analyze their Facebook activity.

Co-author Robert Kraut, a Carnegie Mellon professor of human-computer interaction who has been studying the Internet and happiness since 1996, believes that this study was able to isolate the positive feelings because it separated different types of communication and different levels of friendships.

The study found statistically significant increases in psychological well-being only in substantive communications, such as personalized comments, and not in “one-click” communications, such as likes. 

It also found that those personalized communications needed to come from Facebook friends with close ties, versus mere acquaintances.

In fact, getting an above-average number of comments in a given month increased a user’s psychological well-being to a level that was roughly similar to them getting married, Ms. Burke said.

One theory to explain the results is that personalized communication can improve well-being by reinforcing existing social networks. 

“What seems to be important in real life and online life is feeling that there’s a set of people that you can reach out to when you’re in need,” Mr. Kraut said.

So with this knowledge, is he now commenting to his Facebook friends instead of liking their posts?

Not exactly.

“I have to admit that I hardly use Facebook,” he said, with the exception of seeing pictures of his grandchildren. “I have too many other things to do.”

The Block News Alliance consists of The Blade and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Anya Sostek is a reporter for the Post-Gazette.

While I was in high school, I volunteered at a hospice, where patients were essentially cared for until they passed away. Although many had family, it was shocking to see how many elderly individuals were abandoned. It broke my heart to know that these individuals felt like they were alone.

Visiting various patients for two to three hours after school, three times weekly meant that they had something to look forward to. For those I would visit, I knew what it meant to them — I could see it on their faces. I was surprised by how rewarding the overall experience was.

Volunteering is a small job with BIG rewards

Between September 2014 and September 2015, 62.6 million people volunteered through an organization — a rate that was down 0.4 percent from the previous year. Some of the main organizations and groups were those related to religion, educational youth services, social services and health services.

Related: 5 Reasons To Volunteer

For years, the power of volunteering has been well documented, but science is now able to show more concrete, positive effects. If you currently a volunteer or would like to make a difference in your community, be aware of the following surprising, yet enlightening benefits.

1. You’ll feel as though you have more time

Time is the one thing we could all use more of it — as they say, time waits for no man. As reported in theHarvard Business Review, professor Cassie Mogilner found that when people “give” time away, they actually feel more time affluent. Volunteering made participants feel as though they had time to spare and were less likely to view their time as scarce.

Of course, volunteering won’t magically give you more hours in the day, but being charitable makes you feel more productive — like you’re spending your time more effectively. In fact, it was found that those who volunteered also felt more confident, useful and capable.

2. You’ll develop new skills

Not only can volunteering provide you with opportunities to strengthen social skills, but also valuable career skills. Just because someone isn’t paying you for your time, does not mean that you’re not learning a range of skills, all while helping your community. Whether you strengthen your communication or leadership skills, you will most certainly open your mind.

3. You can explore your interests

When you volunteer, you will benefit from a rewarding experience that heightens your creativity and level of motivation. Volunteering is a way to helps others, while you make time for hobbies outside of your work environment. If you work indoors, for instance, you may find it rewarding to help out at a gardening center or a youth camp.

4. You can test-drive a career

Before I went to college, I volunteered at a local mental health hospital, tutoring young adults within the forensic ward. For me, it was an opportunity — one in which allowed me to dig a little deeper. Before you commit to school or a long-term career, volunteering can provide you with some insight as you gain experience.

5. You’ll be happier

Of course, it’s rewarding to help those in need, but you may be surprised the impact volunteering can have on your own personal mental health. Within one study, published in Social Science and Medicine, found that when compared to those who never volunteer, levels of happiness rose by 12 percent among those who volunteer every two to four weeks.

Researchers stated that among weekly volunteers, 16 percent were very happy. The documented rise in happiness levels was comparable to an individual having an income of $75,000 to $100,000 versus $20,000. Since positive emotional and overall mental health are closely linked to physical health, boost those volunteering endorphins.

6. Support optimal health

As mentioned, volunteering supports your mental health — but it will also help you maintain your health physically. A number of studies have linked volunteering with lower rates of mortality, reduced blood pressure, fewer pain-related symptoms and a lower risk of heart disease. You may not make money, butyour health is wealth — can’t argue that one, right?

7. Can increase feelings of confidence

While volunteering, some individuals display a significant boost in self-esteem, leading to increased feelings of confidence. As you become more selfless, doing good for others, you will naturally feel as though you have accomplished something great. For many, volunteering provides them with an opportunity to find their true identity, as they feel an overwhelming sense of pride.

8. Helps to reduce feelings of stress

Giving back feels good and when you feel positive, you are generally more relaxed. Within one study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, after examining 846 participants, it was found that helping others reduced mortality rates. More specifically, volunteering buffered the association between mortality and stress.

9. Encourages strong relationships

While volunteering, you will often build meaningful connections with others. As you strengthen relationships, you also build a more reliable support system. By strengthening and developing key social skills, you will be able to take what you learned and apply it to other relationships — outside of your voluntary role.

10. Provides the opportunity to truly make a difference

How often do you hear people say, “ I wish there was something I can do.” The truth is, no act of kindness is too small. If you’re passionate about a cause or would simply like to brighten someone’s day, volunteering provides you with that opportunity. You never know what’s around the next corner and by helping others, how knows how great the impact will be — you could inspire someone or even help an individual heal.

11. Promotes greater work-life balance

There’s a reason why so many researchers have recommended a healthy work-life balance. especially within our modern, hectic world. If you’re someone who finds it hard to step away from work, volunteering may be a beneficial solution. You need some down time in order to increase levels of productivity and to ensure positive health.

12. Helps you achieve personal growth

One thing is certain: we’re always changing. As we experience new things, they become a part of us, helping us gain perspective as we strengthen our identity. Learning is a lifelong phenomenon and regardless of where you volunteer, the act itself can teach you so much. Just as you will personally grow and develop, you may also influence and teach others.

13. Expand your network

Whether you’re looking for greater social or professional support, volunteering can help broaden your horizons. You will become a part of a community, which will be made up of like-minded individuals. What goes around comes around — if you were willing to help others, you will more than likely have someone that will be there for you if you are ever in need.

So, remember what Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” To make a difference, check out one of these organizations: Volunteer Match, Help Stay, BUNAC or check with your local community to see where help is needed.

Source:  Krista Hillis

http://www.thealternativedaily.com/13-surprising-benefits-volunteering/

Volunteering Necessary For Health And Happiness | Baby Boomers

Good for everyone all round :o)

4 Discoveries In Neuroscience That Redefine Happiness

Have you ever tried to tell yourself to "just relax and enjoy" an unexpected traffic-filled commute that is sure to make you late? You keep telling yourself there's nothing you can do, so "let go" and "be Zen" about it, only to feel your hands gripping the steering wheel and your eyes rolling out of frustration at the car that jettisoned into your lane. You sarcastically think to yourself, As if they were really going to get there much faster.

Then you remember to be positive. Back and forth your mind goes like a high-speed Ping-Pong match. On one side, you have frustration-filled thoughts, and on the other you have Pollyanna positive thoughts.

It's commonly believed that you should be able to just think your way out of negative feelings, yet this isn't actually how the brain is wired. Once you're frustrated or stressed, you can't effectively tell yourself not to be. This belief has caused a society where people would rather think than feel, be in their heads instead of their hearts, or talk rather than tune inside and listen. This won't lead to lasting happiness.

Consequently, the most important, yet most avoided step toward lasting happiness is emotional intelligence.

The challenge is that most people would rather get a root canal than deal with their feelings. It's as if feeling is perceived as a personal weakness, or would somehow sink them into a black hole, never to return to land of the happy living.

This avoidance poses a problem, given it doesn't seem that stress is going anywhere anytime soon. According to the American Psychological Association, 75% of people report experiencing stress that is unhealthy, and 22% report extreme stress. Researchers at Notre Dame report that the average person experiences the fight, flight, or freeze response 50 to 200 times per day.

We propose that rather than avoiding stress and negative feelings, we need to practice more effective ways of dealing with our feelings beyond just changing our thoughts.

Let's look at a few brain science findings that encourage us to rethink our strategy for experiencing lasting happiness.

1. Your brain is wired such that your emotional brain can act independently of your thinking brain, but the reverse is not true.

Daniel Goleman, author of the best-selling book Emotional Intelligence, describes chronic stress and the subsequent feelings of loss of control as a "neural hijacking" in which the emotional brain takes over. In other words, you can't just think your way through your feelings.

2. The emotional brain operates twice as fast as the thinking brain.

Your thinking brain is simply outmatched.

3. Stress decreases your ability to focus and sustain positive thoughts.

The area of the brain responsible for focus is the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Due to the release of stress hormones, the emotional brain takes precedence and the PFC becomes less active. This is witnessed at times when you feel distracted and find it difficult to concentrate.

Interestingly, studies show that the average American is distracted 47% of the time, and that at these times they are not as happy as when they are present.

4. Once activated, the stress center of the brain can get stuck in an unending Ping-Pong match; emotional vs. thinking brain.

This might look like:

• feeling worried about finances while telling yourself to think confidently
• feeling lonely while telling yourself to look on the bright side, or
• feeling embarrassed about your weight while telling yourself tomorrow is a new day.

The nature of the stress response is such that once it has been triggered, it can't be turned off solely at the level of thought.

De-Stress To Rewire Your Brain

Based on these findings, approaches designed to rationally think past stressful feelings aren't always effective. The PFC does not have enough neural strength to simply override stressful feelings with happy thoughts. Fortunately, you can feel and diffuse the stress response in a matter of minutes. Approaches that decrease stress and increase feelings of calm activate the power of your PFC to focus on being happy.

According to Richard Hanson, neuroscientist and author of The Buddha's Brain, engaging regularly in relaxing activities can wire your brain for calm. Hansonnotes that people who routinely relax have "improved expression of genes that calm down stress reactions, making them more resilient."

The options available for us to accomplish this are abundant in our society; examples include meditation, yoga, nature walks, breathing practices, energy psychology, somatic practices and a host of other mind-body approaches.

This post was cowritten with Dr. Kim Ward.

Source:  by Dr. Hilary Stokes

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16708/4-discoveries-in-neuroscience-that-redefine-happiness.html