Most of us know what it’s like to get to the top of the stairs and forget why we went up in the first place. Or we put our phone in the fridge. Or we meet someone we know but can’t remember their name. Is this the dreaded onset of mental decline? Does this mean that our brains are deteriorating?
Research has proven that the frontal cortex of the brain thins in age-related conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Also, people with depression can have up to a 28% thinner right prefrontal cortex.
Fortunately, this thinning is not inevitable. Research shows that there are ways of staving off age-related brain conditions, anxiety and depression. Meditation has been shown to thicken the prefrontal cortex and, fortunately, it is never too late to benefit.
Try sitting comfortably with your spine erect. Close your eyes or have them only slightly open with a softened gaze. Become aware of the surfaces supporting your body. Then scan your body from feet to head, observing any areas of pain or discomfort and letting go of any tension. Finally, focus onyour breathing, trying not to become caught up in your thoughts. Practice this for a few minutes every day and you will soon start to notice the benefits.
If you would like to learn more, I run monthly meditation classes in Oxfordshire. On the first Thursday evening of the month you can come and learn Mindfulness Meditation and on the last Thursday evening of the month you can learn how to meditate using your voice. Both sessions will teach you invaluable skills that will keep your brain young and healthy.
I also specialise in the menopause with sound therapy and voice work. For more details, look on my website: www.laurellerond.com, email me on laurelle@laurellerond.com, or phone me on 07964 161527.
With a little time, determination and perseverance, you really can stay young on the inside. It helps with the outside, too!
Enjoy!
With love and Spring daffodils, Laurelle
