Re-train Your Brain
By Susan Klein
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet
inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
It’s a fact that as
we age, we lose brain cells. Dementia, depression, and Alzheimer’s Disease are
all associated with this loss. Our body, however, has a certain capacity to
reproduce brain cells, or neurons, known as “neurogenesis.” Various factors can
influence this process. Stress can inhibit neurogenesis while aerobic exercise
can promote it. Just by learning a new task, you can stimulate your brain to
replace lost neurons. (1)
A simple exercise to
try would be: If you are right-handed, try brushing your teeth with your left
hand. Using the opposite hand stimulates an area of the brain less frequently
used, promoting growth of valuable neurons. Gradually move up to vacuuming,
eating, or even writing with the non-dominant hand. The more neurons you
generate, the healthier your brain will be. Who doesn’t want a healthier
brain?!
While regeneration
of brain cells is beneficial in staving off certain age-related diseases,
regeneration/renewing of the mind reaps even greater benefits. Paul writes to
the Christ-followers in the Roman Church to “not conform to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Essentially,
he is warning them not to get “stuck in a rut” by living in the same worldly patterns
and beliefs of their sinful past, which are actually harmful. By choosing to
make healthy lifestyle changes and working with the Spirit toward being more
Christ-like, they are triggering an invisible metamorphosis within, reaping
benefits that continue on into eternity. Who doesn’t want a spiritually healthy
mind?!
This week, try doing
some tasks with your non-dominant hand, read a new book, or incorporate a brain
puzzle into your routine to strengthen your brain. (2) Also, spend some
time seeking God on what it looks like to strengthen your spiritual mind. Be
open to His transforming work in your life.
Just for kicks, as
you are brushing your teeth with your opposite hand, put a sticky note on the bathroom
mirror with a new Bible verse on it and try memorizing as you brush. Not only
will you be stimulating your brain in two different ways, you’ll be
transforming your mind at the same time. Who doesn’t want to accomplish three
things at once?!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What repeated (perhaps
non-beneficial) patterns/habits might you need to consider replacing with
better choices?
2. In what ways are you proactively working
toward a healthy body and a health mind?
FURTHER
READING:
Susan is married to Mark, and
co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is
a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.
(2) www.lumosity.com
