Tag: brain
What were your activities growing up? Soccer? Ballet? Tennis? I dabbled briefly in swimming and gymnastics, but mostly I took dance (jazz ballet and hip hop) and then later on did some cheerleading — all here, let’s cheer! (Feast your eyes on the #throwbackthursday gem above from a junior high dance recital — that’s me front and centre in the denim cutoffs over black tights).
A new study published in Psychological Medicine has found that people who exercise regularly as a kid and an adult have better cognitive functioning at age 50 (specifically for memory and executive functioning — the test for that involved naming as many animals as possible in 60 secs).
The greatest benefits come from intensive exercise (but lower intensity exercise does help, too).
Whatcha waitin’ for? Get your workout on. I’m gonna put on some Debbie Gibson and practice some of old choreographies (wouldja believe I actually still remember many of the steps!?).
March 14, 2013
The scent of Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Shampoo may make you smarter — OK, that’s totally my unscientific conclusion based on the following study findings (and I may only be looking for an excuse to splurge on a bottle of the stuff):
A study published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology found that the scent of this pine-y herb helps to boost cognitive performance thanks to a component called 1,8-cineole (which is also found in sage, eucalyptus and bay).
So next time you need to cram for an exam, use this shampoo (or throw an herb-encrusted pork tenderloin in the oven — or both!). You can thank me when you ace your test.
February 28, 2012
I often repeat the word “turnover” to myself when I’m out running as a reminder to aim for faster turnover (smaller steps, more of them at a faster pace). Often it works, but sometimes I just start craving apple turnovers, and in fact once ran straight to the grocery store–all sweaty in my running gear–to buy some (except they were out, drat!).
(For the most part, though, I’ll eat a fairly practical and healthy meal after a run, in case you were wondering–would feel terribly guilty to dig into something crazy fatty right afterwards–I save that for rest days so I don’t have to feel guilty, ha ha!)
In any case, a new review published in Obesity Reviews has found that working out may cause changes in your brain that lead to healthier eating. Regular exercise enhances our brain’s inhibitory control, so we’re better equipped to resist making impulsive diet choices (such as apple turnovers!).
(And that sign pictured above? One I spotted in Hong Kong this summer–and you know what I would’ve done had I had the time? Popped in for some cake. I do so heart cake!)
November 28, 2011
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