Think Tank: The Neuro Blog
Does Nicotine Addiction Permanently Change the Brain?
Does nicotine pose any health risks? Are we to believe those who protest against “happy, harmless vaping” or those promoting the joys of vaping? The e-cig industry continues to grow and emphasize that smokers can indulge in their nicotine addiction without having to put up with the downside of tobacco products. But who are we to believe? Ultimately, it comes down to one simple question; does nicotine damage the brain? Let’s examine what this highly addictive substance does to the brain and see whether it causes permanent damage.
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Why You Should Meditate
Meditation can become a lifelong learning process, and can help us gain a better understanding of ourselves and of the world around us. Moreover, there are many types of meditation techniques aimed to promote relaxation, reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety, and to cultivate the feelings of calmness and peace. Have you ever wondered how meditation could change your brain and body? Here are just a few of the many scientifically-proven benefits of mindfulness and meditation for our health:
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Do Bugs Get Headaches?
The question of whether or not insects feel pain and related sensations has been the focus of many scientific studies in the past few decades. Though scientists have repeatedly tried to get closer to the truth, none of them can claim to have found firm, unbeatable proof to back up the notion that bugs are prone to sensation of pain. But just because something can’t be proved, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t true...
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The Effects of Chronic Stress on the Body and the Brain
It's not news: stress wears us down over time. But have you wondered exactly how? Compare the past century of human history to the past thousands of years: the difference is staggering. We've flung ourselves into a much faster paced modern world. We are communicating and working more than ever before, and in different ways. Our minds and bodies struggle to catch up with these increased pressures.While the right amount of stress is great to help get things done, too much stress over too much time has hidden effects that you're probably not aware of:
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The Importance of Gratitude
Gratitude can be a part of a wider positive outlook on life that involves acknowledging and appreciating all of its positive aspects. Practicing gratitude can help us feel more positive emotions, as well as acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives, while helping us cultivate better relationships with the people around us and even getting us through some difficult times. We all have the ability to feel and express gratitude. And, according to the results of many research studies that have revealed the numerous benefits of practicing gratitude, we should not reserve giving thanks for Thanksgiving season only.
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What Causes “Brain Fog”?
If you’re unfamiliar with the phrase, Brain Fog is a term used for those moments when your thoughts become suddenly unclear. You become unfocused. Simple math somehow becomes challenging. It’s a scary feeling for most people — a sudden loss of control of the most important part of their body. As we get older, these moments become more common, but dismissing them as a normal part of aging can be a mistake. People remain sharp well into their 90's. So what’s the cause? What makes the difference between that sharp-minded 90-something and the 30-something that gets recurring episodes of forgetfulness?
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Six Life-Changing Strategies to Build Resilience and Increase Happiness
Recently, the World Health Organization has identified stress as “the global health epidemic of the 21st century". We live and work in fast-paced environments, and the feelings of being overwhelmed and burned out are now quite common among us. We all desire to be happy, and yet happiness remains one of the most elusive of all human emotions. Since the fast-paced and highly demanding culture of our workplaces and daily lives is not likely to slow down anytime soon, this is a perfect time to find new ways to cultivate our resilience to stress and to maximize our happiness.
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Ten Lessons People Most Often Learn Too Late in Life
The thought of lying on your deathbed with a bucket full of regrets is anything but pleasant. Nor is the thought of getting to an age when it’s simply too late to put things right. But is there a list of top ten failings most people end up with? What if you could get that list in your early 20s? Wouldn’t it be great if you could read it, actually take it on board and go on to learn the lessons most people learn too late? Would you take note and make changes?
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5 Ways to Catch a Liar
Many lies actually harbor good intention. You tell your friend you love her new dress even though you hate it. You tell your boss the reason you were late as heavy traffic rather than admitting you couldn’t get out of bed. These lies can help you get along better with people and, in some ways, you even get rewarded for telling these lies. What would happen if you were brutally honest with everyone you encountered? You’d probably fall out with lots of people and lose your job within a week. So, let’s not be all high and mighty about lying, we all do it.
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