How to be a Brainiac – Part Four
Posted on February 16, 2012
Share the load!
Did you know that there is increased evidence that stress actually damages the brain?
Particularly the brain regions associated with processing memories. It’s related to the stress hormones our body produces. That’s not good. So, what can you do about that?
Well, we all live with a certain amount of stress in our lives every day, right? But many people slip into a pattern of thinking they alone must shoulder their stress and solve their problems. People who develop and use social supports systems – family, friends, and organized groups – feel a greater sense of control over their lives. These supports also increase your likelihood of getting better medical care and becoming more physically and mentally active. They may even do more; some studies suggest that connections with others may boost your immune system.
Dr. Martha McClintock, from The Institute for Mind and Biology at the University of Chicago, found that rats living in groups lived 40% longer than those housed by themselves and also recovered more quickly from illness. This experiment has been extended to comparing lonely and social humans and although the trial is still running, early indications show the lonely people don’t recover as quickly from illness, don’t sleep as well and have higher systolic blood pressure. The early trial conclusions state that social interaction helps people be healthier and live longer.
So connect to one another (Live. Not via text for goodness sake!), share your burdens and let someone help you carry your loads. Oh, and here’s todays blog theme song. Let’s all sing along, shall we?