Lesson 5: NeuroGenesis

Question 1

Explain how a brain evolves in its early years

Answer 1

First 12months - Highest neurogenesis and brain literally grows 30%
NG continues till 2-4yrs old and then starts slowing down
Takes place especially during sleeping hours
By 25yrs old - brain reaches maturity

Question 2

WHy do we want high neurogenesis?

Answer 2

Because it helps with memory and focus, makes us resilient to future brain degenerative diseases (maybe they will come later or we can better cope with them)
vs.
Low NG = depression, anxiety, neg feelings and stress, can be foggy brained

Question 3

How many weeks does it take a new neuron to grow

Answer 3

3 weeks

Question 4

What are the 6 pillars of a healthy brain

Answer 4

L = Love: Oxytocin through trusted and close bonds with social community, touch with loved ones
M = Movement: exercise every day
N1 = Novelty: Doing something new or outside comfort zone, new experiences or learning
N2 = Nature: Blue water, greenery - impacts our Lymbic Amygdala to calm
O = Omega 3: To help myelination
P = Pause: Sleep atleast 7 hrs as adults, kids even more as myelination occurs when we sleep

Question 5

Name two imp stats for movement that you must share with clients

Answer 5

1. 30 mins of walk every day, brisk if not aerobic activity
2. Every flight of stairs you climb makes your brain 6 months YOUNGER

Question 6

What happens when you dont sleep enough? HINT: teeth

Answer 6

Amyloid Plaque - which is the waste product of your brain cells gets cleaned by glial cells at night when you sleep. If you don’t sleep enough, that plaque builds up. Beyond a certain threshold of build up it leads to ALZHIEMERS. The excess plaque starts blocking neural activity and memory from HypoCampus can’t be accessed.

Question 7

Name 2 brain boosters (increase neurogenesis but dont have a neg impact on body)

Answer 7

1. Music - singing, dancing, learning new instrument
2. Meditation

Question 8

Which is the worst brain killer of all times?

Answer 8

CORTISOL - Created by stress as it kills brain cells in the HippoCampus. Burnout can happen and take months to rebuild the nuerons (rem it takes 3 weeks for nueral development)

Question 9

How can you release cortisol

Answer 9

Cortisol leaves through body liquids, so:
1. Drink water a lot
2. Sweat a lot through exercise
3. Cry