The Body on Meditation Studies show that meditation can improve our psychological wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety, addiction, and depression and by improving memory and critical thinking. But did you know that meditating can also make structural changes to the brain? Meditation can change the way neurons talk to each other, creating new circuits. It…
We’re all dealing with stress, right? And when it surges through our body we often turn to our favorite comfort food. You know the pattern…and interrupting it is very hard to do. But hang on, there’s hope! Dr. Daniel Amen has a 3-Step method to break that habit. How does the addiction to comfort foods…
It’s 10 p.m. and the cookies are calling—the voice may start as a whisper, but it grows stronger and stronger with every minute that passes. “Eat just a couple and start fresh tomorrow,” it says. Of course, the second you take the first bite, it’s too late. Cravings. Usually for high-fat, high-sugar, refined carbohydrates—we have…
Believe it or not, positive thinking — and its rewards — can be learned. You can change from being a “glass is half empty” person to one who sees that glass as half full. In order to do this, one of your first tasks is to identify any ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) — the tendency…
To help my patients keep their bad behaviors in check, I tell them to “H-A-L-T.” H-A-L-T is an acronym that is commonly used in addiction treatment programs, but I find that it is also particularly helpful for people who have trouble coping with daily stress. H-A-L-T has proven to be a very effective way to…
Brooke, 22, wanted to optimize her brain so she can stop her sad and emotional overeating, and she knew that exercising and taking a multivitamin, fish oil, and vitamin D could help. But still, she worried about the cost of a gym membership and high-quality supplements, so she didn’t get the mood-boosting exercise or nutrients…
Eileen, one of our All-Stars, was doing great with our weight-loss program and was thrilled to see the pounds melting away as she adopted brain healthy eating habits. But then she took a trip to Las Vegas and had to eat at one of those opulent buffets that Vegas is known for. You know the…
Dr. Amen points out positive things of your life that will help to boost your willpower! To conquer your cravings, you must strengthen your willpower. Here is a list of things that boost your willpower to help you say no to your cravings: Brain health. Focus on brain protection. Adequate sleep—aim for 7-8 hours (Go…
Find out how the different areas of your brain can positively and negatively affect your mood and relationship. NO FORETHOUGHT EQUALS NO FOREPLAY “The great sins of the world take place in the brain: but it is in the brain that everything takes place…. It is in the brain that the poppy is red, that…
To find your motivation to learn something new, begin by asking yourself, “What gifts do you have to bring to the world that could be lying dormant between my ears?” Then, “What do I dream of doing with my life?” Go ahead, start writing your Bucket List now. Your brain loves activities that hold promise…