Dr. Wendy Suzuki: Boost Attention & Memory with Science-Based Tools | Episode 73
Main Takeaways
- There are four things that make something memorable: novelty, repetition, association, and emotional resonance.
- The hippocampus is the key structure in the brain for long-term memory.
- Without a hippocampus, people would have no ability to form new memories of facts and events.
- One-trial learning takes place for emotionally charged events, which are usually associated with intensely negative or positive events.
- Memories are formed because of a neurochemical state that takes place following an emotion.
- Strategies to increase alertness and generally make your brain work better include cold exposure, high-quality sleep, and exercise.
- Cardiovascular exercise is particularly important for brain health, specifically the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
- Exercise can help offset age-related memory decline, allow people to focus longer and deeper, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance mood.
- Positive self-affirmations can provide a mood boost.
- Meditation builds the habit and facilitates time to focus on the present moment, and a minimum of 12-minutes per day is needed for benefits.
