Be Alert – Write Now

There is no time like now to begin transforming your brain. In his book, 20 Years Younger, Bob Greene describes how consistently following a vigorous exercise program can transform our bodies. Even though we may have neglected to do so for many years, we can start now and the body will repair itself, once we do the appropriate things. I am proposing that to save our brain, one thing we can do is , write ten to thirty minutes per day, several days each week.

Writing for others is challenging but fun and it may be something you have had in the back of your mind for many years. It is not easy and requires discipline and learning. According to UC Irvine neurobiologists Lulu Chen and Christine Gall, everyday forms of learning animate neuron receptors that help keep the brain cells functioning at optimum levels. (Nauert, 2010)

An article in Newsweek reported that individuals who combined exercise and a healthy diet with mental exercises and stress reduction techniques showed significant improvements in both their brain functions and metabolism. (Barrett, 2006) Writing provides the mental exercise in this equation.

Writing is a perfect brain exercise. To begin with, many people think, "I have this personal story that I want to write about and share with my family. I do not care if anyone else ever sees it but I want to share my history. I also want exemplary writing." Others say, "I have had a very interesting career or fulfilling life. So much has happened to me, I need to share my experiences with others."

There are many reasons to write. Come on: you will find it fun and may bring joy to many people. On the other hand, just staying mentally active as we age can keep those neurons signaling at a constant rate, which may limit memory and cognitive decline. If these are the only benefits to writing, I say, "Let's do it."

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Barrett, Jennifer, HEALTHY CHOICE, Newsweek, 00289604, 6/12/2006, Vol. 147, Issue 24

Vasich, Tom. "Learning helps keep brain healthy, UCI researchers find." Uc Irvine Today - News Release. March 02, 2010. http://www.today.uci.edu/news/2010/03/nr_gall_100302.php (accessed June 11, 2011).