Q: We hear a lot now about neuroplasticity. What are ways to increase this?

A: Your brain has the ability to regenerate cells even into an old age. Some ways we can increase neuroplasticity and even feel younger are in the following:

  • Learn to reduce your stress levels. Stress kills. It’s important not to sweat the small stuff. When did worrying actually make a difference?
  • Learn to let it go. Practice the art of gratitude. Being grateful for what you have puts it out into the field. Guess what? It comes back tenfold. You’ve heard of having an “attitude of gratitude.” It’s true. It’s known to provide better overall health and wellness, increased sleep, and overall satisfaction with life.
  • Be active. Play, exercise, dance, walk, listen to music, take yoga, meditate, pray, love.
  • Take time away from the daily grind of life and be the best you can be. Give and receive.
  • Embrace your funny bone. Have humor in your life. Laugh throughout the day. It loosens up your solar plexus and chases the vampires away.
  • Have an animal companion in your life. Their unconditional love is teaching us all something. Research shows time and again that having a pet reduces stress, brings increased joy and increases the appetites of Alzheimer’s patients. I know when I am hugging my animals I am in a meditative state and therefore enhancing my brain’s neuroplasticity.

A little can go a long way. While it’s inevitable that one day we will all surrender to the great mystery. In the meantime while here on earth, we might as well train our brain’s to regenerate and we can live well on this journey.