新科學家
· 資深觀鳥者的大腦結構存在差異,這或許可以解釋他們為何擁有如此卓越的識別陌生鳥類的能力。研究表明,觀鳥可以像學習語言或樂器一樣,重塑大腦結構。
Expert birdwatchers have brain differences that may underlie their remarkable ability to identify unfamiliar birds and suggest that birdwatching can reshape the brain in much the same way as learning a language or a musical instrument does.
人工智慧概述
神經可塑性研究表明,大腦並非在成年後就固定不變,而是會根據經驗、習慣和環境不斷重塑自己。有效重塑大腦的活動通常包括學習新技能、持續的體能訓練、社交互動以及心理、情緒或感官刺激。
哈佛健康
以下是能夠重塑大腦的主要活動類型:
1. 腦力刺激與學習活動
學習複雜的新技能會迫使大腦形成新的神經路徑並強化現有的連結。
學習一門新語言:增加灰質體積並強化白質,從而改善大腦連結。
演奏樂器:同時鍛鍊多種感覺和運動系統,增加多個腦區的體積。
創意活動:繪畫、素描、雕塑或手工製作會啟動不同的腦區,從而改善記憶力和結構體積。
閱讀:增強左側顳葉皮質(與語言相關的區域)的連接性,並促進“具身語義學”,即大腦模擬閱讀內容中描述的動作。
益智遊戲:拼圖、填字遊戲、數獨和策略遊戲(如西洋棋)可以刺激認知功能,包括視覺空間技能、模式辨識和工作記憶。
雜耍:常被認為是提高結構可塑性的絕佳方法。
Todoist
2. 體能鍛煉
有氧運動是提升腦源性神經營養因子 (BDNF) 最有效的方法之一,BDNF 是一種支持腦細胞生長和突觸健康的蛋白質。
哈佛健康
哈佛健康
有氧運動:快走、跑步、游泳或騎腳踏車可以增加海馬體(負責記憶和學習的區域)的體積。
跳舞:結合了社交、音樂和體育活動,可以提高處理速度、記憶力和認知靈活性。
太極和瑜伽:低強度的身心鍛煉,可以改善注意力、平衡感以及大腦區域之間的連結。
哈佛健康
哈佛健康
+4
3. 正念和冥想
研究表明,定期冥想可以縮小杏仁核(情緒處理中心)的體積,並加強前額葉皮質和「自我中心」(腹內側前額葉皮質)之間的連接,從而幫助管理壓力並改善情緒調節。
Todoist
Todoist
正念減壓療法 (MBSR):減輕焦慮,提高大腦效率。
深呼吸練習:平靜神經系統,增強認知功能。
傑斐遜健康
傑斐遜健康
+2
4. 社交互動
與他人互動是一種複雜的認知活動,有助於預防憂鬱和壓力,而憂鬱和壓力都可能導致記憶力衰退。
梅奧診所健康系統
梅奧診所健康系統
+1
社交:牢固的社交關係和頻繁、有意義的接觸與更高的認知功能和更低的癡呆風險有關。
志工服務:保持大腦活躍,並提供目標感,有助於維持認知健康。
美國國家老化研究所 (.gov)
美國國家老化研究所 (.gov)
+3
5. 日常作息改變
改變日常習慣可以迫使大腦脫離「自動駕駛」模式。
使用非慣用手:用非慣用手刷牙或吃飯可以加強神經連結。
探索新路線:選擇不同的回家路線可以挑戰空間記憶。
遠離科技產品:遠離電子設備 72 小時可以穩定多巴胺水平並提高注意力。
Atlassian
Atlassian
+3
6. 飲食和睡眠
這些都是大腦結構改變的基礎。
營養飲食:地中海飲食或MIND飲食(綠葉蔬菜、堅果、莓果、魚類)提供突觸生長所需的營養。
優質睡眠:7至9小時的睡眠有助於清除毒素、鞏固記憶,並且對神經可塑性至關重要。
Todoist
為了最大限度地重塑大腦,請專注於具有挑戰性、新穎且需要持續練習的活動。
Research into neuroplasticity shows that the brain is not fixed in adulthood, but rather constantly reshapes itself based on experiences, habits, and environment. Activities that effectively reshape the brain generally involve
learning new skills, sustained physical activity, social interaction, and mental, emotional, or sensory stimulation.Here are the primary types of activities that can reshape the brain:
1. Mentally Stimulating & Learning Activities
Learning complex new skills forces the brain to form new neural pathways and strengthens existing connections.
- Learning a New Language: Increases gray matter volume and strengthens white matter, which improves brain connectivity.
- Playing a Musical Instrument: Exercises multiple sensory and motor systems simultaneously, increasing brain volume in several regions.
- Creative Pursuits: Painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting engages different brain regions, improving memory and structural volume.
- Reading: Increases connectivity in the left temporal cortex—the area associated with language—and fosters "embodied semantics," where the brain simulates actions it reads about.
- Brain Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, and strategy games (like chess) stimulate cognitive functions, including visuospatial skills, pattern recognition, and working memory.
- Juggling: Frequently cited as an excellent way to improve structural plasticity.
2. Physical Exercise
Aerobic exercise is one of the most effective ways to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain cell growth and synaptic health.
- Aerobic Activity: Brisk walking, running, swimming, or cycling increases the size of the hippocampus, the area responsible for memory and learning.
- Dancing: A combination of social, musical, and physical activity that can improve processing speed, memory, and cognitive flexibility.
- Tai Chi & Yoga: Low-intensity, mind-body exercises that improve attention, balance, and connectivity between brain regions.
3. Mindfulness and Meditation
Regular meditation has been shown to reduce the size of the amygdala (emotional processing) and strengthen connections between the prefrontal cortex and the "Me Center" (ventromedial prefrontal cortex), helping to manage stress and improve emotional regulation.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Reduces anxiety and increases brain efficiency.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Calms the nervous system and boosts cognitive function.
4. Social Engagement
Interacting with others is a complex cognitive activity that helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can cause memory loss.
- Socializing: Strong social ties and frequent, meaningful contact are associated with higher cognitive function and lower risk of dementia.
- Volunteering: Keeps the mind engaged and provides a sense of purpose, which helps maintain cognitive health.
5. Daily Routine Changes
Simple changes to everyday habits can force the brain out of "autopilot" mode.
- Using the Non-Dominant Hand: Brushing teeth or eating with your non-dominant hand strengthens neural connections.
- Navigating New Routes: Taking a different way home challenges spatial memory.
- Unplugging from Technology: A "72-hour reset" from digital devices can stabilize dopamine and improve focus.
6. Diet and Sleep
These provide the foundation for structural brain changes.
- Nutritious Diet: The Mediterranean or MIND diet (leafy greens, nuts, berries, fish) provides necessary nutrients for synaptic growth.
- Quality Sleep: 7 to 9 hours of sleep helps clean out toxins, consolidate memories, and is essential for neuroplasticity.
To maximize brain reshaping, focus on activities that are challenging, new, and require consistent practice.
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