SOCIALIZE YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY

WRITER: KIM

BADEN-KRISTENSEN, FOUNDER OF BRAIN +

If you go to the oldest neighborhood in Barcelona, el Barrio Gótico, with its small winding cobbled streets, and you look into one of the many small cafes early in the morning, you’ll see a hustle and a bustle of people. They’ll be sitting at the bar, standing at the tables, chatting, conversing, laughing with the person next to them, or with the waiters. The customers are often on a firstname basis, and if you walk in as a stranger, it’s not uncommon for people to nod and welcome you.

A scene like this is notable because socializing with other people is one of the most important aspects of what it means to be human. We’re designed to be social.

According to evolutionary theory, our ability to socialize is vital to our survival and to our success as a species.

At some point in history humans realized the value of working together. By sticking together in groups we became more efficient, more stable, more protected, and more innovative. This part of our evolution required the human brain to evolve to a new level of complexity.

To be social we need to use some very advanced brain functions. Imagine the complexity of actually trying to understand another human being. Looking at body language is only the tip of the iceberg. When you try to understand another human being, you want to know how they’re thinking and what they’re feeling. But it doesn’t stop there, you can even figure out why they’re thinking and feeling the way they are.

Psychologists call this the “Theory of Mind.” It’s the ability to understand thoughts, feelings, beliefs, desires, motivations, and the intentions of others. It’s also the ability to predict people’s future actions. It may be one of the most complex abilities your brain has.

THE THING TO TAKE AWAY FROM ALL OF THIS IS YOUR BRAIN IS BUILT FOR SOCIALIZING.

Being social is one of the most stimulating things you can do for your brain. It is one of the most effective and basic forms of brain training you can do. Staying socially active prevents or delays the onset of dementia.

Apart from the obvious brain benefits, there are also significant general health benefits to being social. Socializing is associated with reduced mortality rate and a reduced depression risk. You can think of the positive emotional and psychological impact of socializing as taking vitamins for your heart and mind. Socializing stimulates your immune system and protects you from disease. What’s good for your general health is mostly good for your brain health as well. Socializing, like physical exercise, is a double-impact activity that strengthens both general health and brain health.

In our fast-paced day and age, socializing may be dismissed as a secondary, lazy, or unproductive pass time. This view is dangerous to your health. Being social is not only the spice of life, it’s also fundamental to your health and well-being.

So don’t hesitate to go have some laughs with friends, family, and strangers; your brain is laughing with you. Learn more at Brain-plus.com.

How Do You Perceive

WRITER: SCOTT PERKINS, PERKINS PERSPECTIVE

The fall of 1989 is a time etched in my memory. Having just started college, I was flush with independence, football games, new relationships, and classes. Into the midst of this came some news that would shape the trajectory of my family for the rest of our lives. It would also transform how I viewed those with special needs.

My 14-year-old-sister, Denise, was in a diving accident that severed her spine. After numerous surgeries and six months in the hospital, she came back into the world and the care of my parents. Cognitively, she was unaffected, but physically my sister was limited to the use of the muscles in her neck and her biceps. She could feel nothing below her neck area.

I don’t remember how I viewed those with disabilities before my Denise’s injury, but I can tell you what I learned from being with her and seeing her interactions with others.