Latest news with #KevinWoods
Economic Times
a day ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Harvard neuroscientist's bizarre brain hacks might be your key to peak mental health
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Chew Gum—But Not Just Any Kind Chewing gum can enhance brain activity by boosting blood flow to critical areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions associated with learning, focus, and memory. (Image: iStock) Walk Backward to Move Forward Walking backwards (Image: iStock) Hum Like Your Brain Depends on It Breath control while humming also activates neural circuits linked to attention and emotional regulation. (Image: iStock) Brains, Meet Your New Routine In a world where brain health advice often revolves around leafy greens, crossword puzzles, and hitting the gym, Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods is offering something a little more… unconventional. According to Woods, who serves as Director of Science at music platform designed to enhance brainwave activity—there are three offbeat yet powerful habits you can incorporate to boost your cognitive performance. And no, none of them involve tells The New York Post that chewing gum can enhance brain activity by boosting blood flow to critical areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions associated with learning, focus, and memory. The repetitive motion of chewing is believed to increase oxygen and glucose supply to these parts of the brain, which in turn improves alertness and reduces stress. But it's not just about grabbing any gum off the shelf. Woods advises opting for one with lasting flavor and a stable gums are a safer bet for your teeth, but if you're really up for a challenge, one recent study found chewing on hard objects like wooden pencils could elevate levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant in brain health. Though, for obvious dental and digestive reasons, you might want to skip the pencils and leave that to the as retro walking, taking a stroll in reverse might just rewire your brain. Woods explains that walking backwards increases cognitive control, memory recall, and mental focus by engaging neural pathways that aren't activated during forward walking. Studies cited in the Post report gains in balance, coordination, and even calorie burn. The trick, Woods says, is to start slowly and safely—flat paths only, head up, core engaged, and eyes (or at least awareness) on your surroundings. It may look strange, but your brain won't isn't just soothing—it's neuroscience. Woods highlights research showing that humming activates the vagus nerve, a key player in managing mood and relaxation. The vibration also boosts nitric oxide production in the nasal cavity, enhancing blood flow and possibly lifting your spirits. Choir singers, in particular, have been found to enjoy better heart rate variability and improved cognitive performance. Breath control while humming also activates neural circuits linked to attention and emotional regulation. The best part? You can hum anytime, anywhere—no fancy equipment the usual health prescriptions like nutritious food, exercise, and sleep remain vital, Woods emphasizes that integrating these quirky habits can help maintain cognitive sharpness in a uniquely effective way. 'Find a consistent routine that works for you,' he advises. Whether it's chewing gum during deep work, retro-walking around the park, or humming your stress away, these hacks are proof that brain care doesn't always have to be conventional. Sometimes, a little weird goes a long way.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
3 weird ways to keep your brain healthy — one you can do in the shower
No need to overthink brain health! Our noggins take a floggin' with age, leading to reduced brain volume, less effective communication between neurons and decreased blood flow. These changes can affect learning, memory, processing speed and other cognitive functions. Now, you probably already know that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, managing stress and staying socially connected can help keep brains young. There are also some offbeat strategies to engage your brain — you can learn an instrument, use your non-dominant hand for tasks and take a different route home. Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods — director of science at a music streaming service designed to influence brainwave activity — has three other simple suggestions to complement healthy routines. No brainstorm required. Chewing gum can feed the brain in a number of ways, though the exact mechanisms are unclear. Some studies propose that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which means more oxygen and glucose for the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas vital for memory and learning. This increased blood flow can also enhance focus and attention and reduce stress and anxiety. As for types of gum, Woods told The Post that 'it should be a gum with decent flavor that doesn't fade too quickly — and one that doesn't fall apart over time.' A dentist might recommend a sugar-free gum that doesn't harm teeth. There could be an even better, if not unconventional, option. A recent study found that chewing hard substances like a wood pencil can boost levels of the antioxidant glutathione in the brain — chewing gum did not provide the same effect. If you're worried about splinters, tooth damage and digestive issues with wooden material, leave it to beavers. 'Backward walking enhances brain health by challenging the brain, focusing attention and strengthening neural connections while potentially forming new pathways,' Woods said. 'Studies have found that backward walking increases cognitive control and even memory recall,' he added. Also known as retro walking, this practice can improve balance, coordination and posture, strengthen certain muscles, reduce lower back pain and burn more calories than walking forward. Experts recommend starting slowly, choosing a path free of obstacles and uneven pavement, keeping the head and torso upright, engaging the core, stepping toes first and being mindful of surroundings. Humming can ease stress and promote relaxation by stimulating the vagus nerve, a complex network of over 200,000 fibers that connects the brain and major organs. Research indicates that humming can also increase nitric oxide levels in the nasal cavity, potentially improving blood flow to the brain and elevating mood. 'Studies on choir singers show enhanced heart rate variability and cognitive function,' Woods explained. 'Plus, the breath control required for sustained notes exercises the same neural networks involved in attention regulation.' Woods recommends doing these three activities often, finding a consistent routine that works for you. Since the brain is the control center for thinking, feeling and acting, taking care of it is crucial for overall health and well-being. 'While science can tell us useful things to try, to some extent, different brains need different things to focus best,' Woods said. 'What you find helpful, someone else may find distracting,' he added. 'So don't be afraid to test what works best for you!'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard neuroscientist's bizarre brain hacks might be your key to peak mental health
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Chew Gum—But Not Just Any Kind Chewing gum can enhance brain activity by boosting blood flow to critical areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions associated with learning, focus, and memory. (Image: iStock) Walk Backward to Move Forward Walking backwards (Image: iStock) Hum Like Your Brain Depends on It Breath control while humming also activates neural circuits linked to attention and emotional regulation. (Image: iStock) Brains, Meet Your New Routine In a world where brain health advice often revolves around leafy greens, crossword puzzles, and hitting the gym, Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods is offering something a little more… unconventional. According to Woods, who serves as Director of Science at music platform designed to enhance brainwave activity—there are three offbeat yet powerful habits you can incorporate to boost your cognitive performance. And no, none of them involve tells The New York Post that chewing gum can enhance brain activity by boosting blood flow to critical areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions associated with learning, focus, and memory. The repetitive motion of chewing is believed to increase oxygen and glucose supply to these parts of the brain, which in turn improves alertness and reduces stress. But it's not just about grabbing any gum off the shelf. Woods advises opting for one with lasting flavor and a stable gums are a safer bet for your teeth, but if you're really up for a challenge, one recent study found chewing on hard objects like wooden pencils could elevate levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant in brain health. Though, for obvious dental and digestive reasons, you might want to skip the pencils and leave that to the as retro walking, taking a stroll in reverse might just rewire your brain. Woods explains that walking backwards increases cognitive control, memory recall, and mental focus by engaging neural pathways that aren't activated during forward walking. Studies cited in the Post report gains in balance, coordination, and even calorie burn. The trick, Woods says, is to start slowly and safely—flat paths only, head up, core engaged, and eyes (or at least awareness) on your surroundings. It may look strange, but your brain won't isn't just soothing—it's neuroscience. Woods highlights research showing that humming activates the vagus nerve, a key player in managing mood and relaxation. The vibration also boosts nitric oxide production in the nasal cavity, enhancing blood flow and possibly lifting your spirits. Choir singers, in particular, have been found to enjoy better heart rate variability and improved cognitive performance. Breath control while humming also activates neural circuits linked to attention and emotional regulation. The best part? You can hum anytime, anywhere—no fancy equipment the usual health prescriptions like nutritious food, exercise, and sleep remain vital, Woods emphasizes that integrating these quirky habits can help maintain cognitive sharpness in a uniquely effective way. 'Find a consistent routine that works for you,' he advises. Whether it's chewing gum during deep work, retro-walking around the park, or humming your stress away, these hacks are proof that brain care doesn't always have to be conventional. Sometimes, a little weird goes a long way.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
3 weird ways to keep your brain healthy — one you can do in the shower
No need to overthink brain health! Our noggins take a floggin' with age, leading to reduced brain volume, less effective communication between neurons and decreased blood flow. These changes can affect learning, memory, processing speed and other cognitive functions. Now, you probably already know that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, managing stress and staying socially connected can help keep brains young. Advertisement 4 Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods recommends three easy ways to keep your brain healthy beyond a nutritional diet, good sleep and frequent exercise. Courtesy of Kevin Woods There are also some offbeat strategies to engage your brain — you can learn an instrument, use your non-dominant hand for tasks and take a different route home. Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods — director of science at a music streaming service designed to influence brainwave activity — has three other simple suggestions to complement healthy routines. No brainstorm required. Gum chewing Advertisement Chewing gum can feed the brain in a number of ways, though the exact mechanisms are unclear. Some studies propose that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which means more oxygen and glucose for the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas vital for memory and learning. 4 Chewing gum has been found to have positive effects on brain function. – This increased blood flow can also enhance focus and attention and reduce stress and anxiety. Advertisement As for types of gum, Woods told The Post that 'it should be a gum with decent flavor that doesn't fade too quickly — and one that doesn't fall apart over time.' A dentist might recommend a sugar-free gum that doesn't harm teeth. There could be an even better, if not unconventional, option. A recent study found that chewing hard substances like a wood pencil can boost levels of the antioxidant glutathione in the brain — chewing gum did not provide the same effect. Advertisement If you're worried about splinters, tooth damage and digestive issues with wooden material, leave it to beavers. Walking backwards 'Backward walking enhances brain health by challenging the brain, focusing attention and strengthening neural connections while potentially forming new pathways,' Woods said. 4 Walking backward can boost memory and problem-solving skills. mantinov – 'Studies have found that backward walking increases cognitive control and even memory recall,' he added. Also known as retro walking, this practice can improve balance, coordination and posture, strengthen certain muscles, reduce lower back pain and burn more calories than walking forward. Experts recommend starting slowly, choosing a path free of obstacles and uneven pavement, keeping the head and torso upright, engaging the core, stepping toes first and being mindful of surroundings. Humming Humming can ease stress and promote relaxation by stimulating the vagus nerve, a complex network of over 200,000 fibers that connects the brain and major organs. Advertisement Research indicates that humming can also increase nitric oxide levels in the nasal cavity, potentially improving blood flow to the brain and elevating mood. 4 Humming may stimulate the vagus nerve, an information superhighway that connects the brain to major organs. LittleSeven – 'Studies on choir singers show enhanced heart rate variability and cognitive function,' Woods explained. 'Plus, the breath control required for sustained notes exercises the same neural networks involved in attention regulation.' Woods recommends doing these three activities often, finding a consistent routine that works for you. Advertisement Since the brain is the control center for thinking, feeling and acting, taking care of it is crucial for overall health and well-being. 'While science can tell us useful things to try, to some extent, different brains need different things to focus best,' Woods said. 'What you find helpful, someone else may find distracting,' he added. 'So don't be afraid to test what works best for you!'
