Brain Buzz with Mike

February 13, 2018

This weeks topic is Working Memory.  What is it?  How can it be improved? And which Power Braining exercises are helping your Working Memory.  Questions where asked by a few Power Brainers and answered by Mike.

February 20, 2018

What is Neuroplasticity and how do we leverage it in our Power Braining Program.

February 27, 2018

Mike discusses overlearning and how gaba and glutamate work in your brain to ensure you remember learned activities.

March 06, 2018

Several recent research studies have shown that doing cognitive training while doing cardiovascular training showed greater benefit then doing one after another.  However, both methods show improvements in different areas.  In the Power Braining class we do both simultaneous training as well as cognitive training after physical activity to get the most benefit.

March 20, 2018

Learn how proper breathing can help with all aspects of your life and especially exercise.  Proper Nasal breathing is taught during Power Braining and demonstrated in this video.

April 03, 2018

Mike discusses the brain body connection and refers to an article: Unhappiness is a Palate Cleanser.  He goes on to discuss how this phenomena works in the brain. http://nautil.us/issue/58/self/unhappiness-is-a-palate_cleanser

April 10, 2018

Mike discusses Dr. Daniel Amen's article about the link to oral hygiene and dementia.  As well as the following article by Lori Schmitz-Parr, http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-37/issue-10/contents/alzheimer-s-link-with-perio.html.  Very interesting correlation!

April 24, 2018

Mike tells the story of Ben Underwood who learned to echo-locate and "see" though he had no eyes. He was a true example of Neuroplasticity and how the mind can adapt and overcome.

May 01, 2018

Mike discusses the concept of the Dualism vs Physicalism mindset.  The Dualism mindset maintains that the mind and body are two separate entities and not related, while Physicalism maintains that the mind and body are one large organism.  The mindset that you follow can greatly change your actions.

May 08, 2018

Mike discusses the memory technique Chunking and how to use it to remember multiple items - especially numbers.

May 15, 2018

Mike discusses the importance of sleep.  Sleep has many benefits including helping you retain what you've learned and pruning and cleaning your brain.

May 22, 2018

Mike recaps the importance of sleep to our brain and discusses how different types of light can positively and negatively affect our sleep and circadian rhythm.

May 29, 2018

Mike continues his series on the importance of sleep and discusses one big problem with getting enough sleep for many people - Sleep Apnea.  He discusses some symptoms and potential cures.

June 12, 2018

Mike discusses the strategy of Multitasking and what is really going on with your brain when you multitask.  Are Multitaskers more productive or not?  Mike discusses the research.

June 19, 2018

Mike discusses how diabetes and blood sugar can affect your brain.

June 26, 2018

Mike discusses ways to avoid diabetes which is a disease that can be severely detrimental to the brain.

July 10, 2018

Mike discusses how Balance Training can have very positive effects on different areas of the brain...including memory and spacial awareness.

July 17, 2018

Mike discusses how leg exercises enhance your cognitive ability in many ways.  Using the legs can help with the production of neural cells.

June 05, 2018

Mike discusses some techniques to help you fall asleep.  Insomnia can lead to a myriad of health conditions.  Sleep is one of the best things you can do for your brain.  Mike gives you a few tips that may help you relax and fall asleep.

July 24, 2018

Mike discusses both the physical and cognitive benefits of aerobic activity, further providing examples that enhancing the body, enhances the brain - it's all connected.

August 07, 2018

Mike discusses the differences between a Growth Mindset and a Change Mindset and how the Growth mindset is better for your brain.  He also discusses how to change and get that Growth Mindset.

August 14, 2018

Mike discusses some of the issues of stress on the brain.  He also investigates if stress is contagious.  We think you know the answer.  You need to deal with stress to help your brain and the brains of those around you.

August 28, 2018

In this week's Brain Buzz, Mike discusses how posture is associated with neurochemicals in your brain and how good posture can actually change your mood.  He references the TED Talk by Amy Cuddy.

September 04, 2018

Mike continues with part 2 of his 3 part series on posture.  Mike discusses how to sit with good posture and why this is important.  Also check out part 1 - Session 23.

September 11, 2018

​In this week's Brain Buzz, Mike discusses how to have proper standing posture as well as what cell phones and mobile devices are doing to our posture.  Mike discusses how to combat and prevent "Cell Phone Hunch".

September 18, 2018

Mike discusses the Think Feel Act Cycle and how positive and negative thoughts can change our brain.  You can change the cycle with your positive or negative thoughts.

September 25, 2018

Mike discusses how stress affects the brains ability to store and recall information.  He also discusses the 4-7-8 Breathing method that will help you relax when it's time for that next test or presentation.  

October 09, 2018

Mike describes how elite athletes and you can train your brain and body to physical tasks automatically, freeing your conscious mind to do more complex cognitive activities.  Whether you are learning to dance, play basketball, or converse while walking, this technique is very useful.

October 23, 2018

Mike discusses the importance of proper hydration for brain health.  Many of you know some of the physical benefits, but did you know that your brain needs water too and a lack of water can cause serious impairment.

October 30, 2018

Mike starts a multi-part segment on the 5 pillars of brain health:  N-Nutrition, E-Exercise, S-Sleep&Stress Management, S-Socialization, T-Train your Brain.  He discusses this in broader terms in this video but will  discuss in much more detail in weeks to come.

November 06, 2018

Mike discusses the 5 areas of brain health and where you should start when you want to change your brain.

November 20, 2018

Mike discusses how being thankful can change the chemicals in your brain and make you happier.

November 27, 2018

Mike describes changing simple daily routines can allow you to get out of a rut and actually causes you to think better and with purpose.

December 18, 2018

Should you train your brain like a professional athlete?  Mike will tell you why you are like a professional athlete and how and why you should train your brain like one.

January 15, 2019

Mike tells you to start the new year off right by not only thinking of proper nutrition for your body, but for your brain as well.  It turns out you can do both at the same time.

January 22, 2019

Mike discusses specific superfoods that are great for brain health.

January 22, 2019

Mike discusses how breathing can help reduce stress and teaches the 4-7-8 breathing method.