Building Blocks

The statistics are everywhere. And they’re not looking good. The health of our brains is under threat. This is impacting how we feel, what we can achieve and is affecting society as a whole.

But the good news is that our amazing brains have the ability to adapt and change based on what information they receive and how we look after them.

At Noggin, we’ve learnt this from our own experience and the research this has led us to. The idea that the brain can change and actually grow as we age – something called neuroplasticity – was only confirmed in 1998. Before then, we thought that it was a kind of ‘use it or else lose it’ type situation. Now we’re learning that it’s more ‘use it, feed it, rest it, challenge it, move it and you can change, and maybe improve it’. Isn’t that amazing?

There’s a lot more to be done and researchers and scientists are avidly looking to understand more and more about our amazing brains. But the small things, like becoming more active, disconnecting from technology, and understanding the importance of good sleep, can really make a difference.

Movement

Hardly breaking news, but keeping active through physical exercise, whether it’s getting up to get the remote or completing an Iron Man challenge, is good for you.

Nutrition

What to eat to feed a healthy brain could fill several websites as there are endless theories and research about what’s in and out.

Sleep

Our brains need a rest. Just like our feet after a long day on them. Our brains are dealing with everything we do – everything.

Gut Brain Connection

The gut. We’ve all heard the expressions “I had a gut feeling” or “trust your gut instinct”, and we’re now beginning to understand the latest science behind these.

Brain Health Connections

Humans are social creatures- staying connected to friends, colleagues, peers or family at any age improves our quality of life, improves mental health and reduces risk of developing mental health conditions and can help us even live longer

Purpose

Call it what you like- raison d’être, ikigai, get up and go- but having a sense of purpose, a goal or just simply a reason to get out of bed can help your brain, help you feel better and help you live longer

Rest your Brain

Our brains are constantly being bombarded with distractions. Research from Harvard confirms we are distracted up to 47% of the time.