670. Memory, Trauma, + Brain Health: How To Change The Way We Remember
Feb 27, 2024
auto_awesome
Discover how memory impacts our happiness and learn ways to enhance brain health with mindfulness and curiosity. Explore topics like the effects of stress on memory, benefits of aerobic exercise, and the influence of lifestyle habits on memory retention.
Memories can shape our narratives and perception of events, therapy offers a space for reframing traumatic memories.
Engaging with memories actively through recall enhances neural connections and strengthens memory retention.
Incorporating novelty and curiosity into routines can energize the brain, improve memory retention, and enhance cognitive function.
Deep dives
The Power of Memory and Its Role in Trauma
Memory plays a crucial role in our lives, allowing us to navigate the present and future by holding onto what is important and relevant. In cases of trauma, memories can become overgeneralized and triggered by specific contexts, leading to intrusive and vivid recollections. Repetition can solidify memories, but actively recalling and engaging with memories can refine and enhance them. Traumatic memories can impact how we perceive events and shape our narratives, with therapy often providing a space for reframing and altering memory perspectives.
The Intersection of Repetition and Novelty in Memory
Repetition serves to familiarize and reinforce memories through consistent exposure, whether through daily interactions or deliberate rehearsal. Actively engaging with memories through recall can highlight weaknesses and strengthen neural connections, enhancing memory retention. On the other hand, novelty sparks dopamine release, energizing the brain and increasing plasticity, leading to heightened memory formation. Novel experiences, curiosity, and a beginner's mindset can facilitate learning and memory enhancement, even in familiar settings.
The Impact of Multitasking, Stress, and Technology on Memory
Multitasking can hinder memory formation by dividing attention and taxing the prefrontal cortex, leading to fragmented memories and reduced focus on important details. Chronic stress can impair memory function, affecting the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, key areas for memory consolidation. Technology-induced distractions, such as notifications, can disrupt attentional focus and contribute to memory deficits. Balancing novelty, repetition, and focused attention while minimizing distractions can optimize memory performance and cognitive functioning.
Importance of Novelty and Curiosity for Neural Plasticity
Introducing novelty and curiosity into daily routines can activate neural plasticity, enhancing memory retention and cognitive function. Research with rats demonstrated how exposure to novel environments improved memory through dopamine activation. Encouraging curiosity and incorporating a little novelty in daily activities can energize the mind without being distracting, potentially leading to improved memory and task performance.
Error-Driven Learning and Struggle to Enhance Memory
Error-driven learning, where the brain benefits from learning through mistakes, is crucial for memory retention and learning. Stress testing memory by identifying and rectifying weaknesses improves long-term retention. Emphasizing constant improvement over easy success, testing oneself, and embracing challenges can enhance memory encoding and retrieval. By incentivizing continuous learning and embracing struggles, individuals can improve memory recall and overall cognitive function.
This week, renowned professor of psychology and neuroscience Charan Ranganath, Ph.D. joins Lindsey to unravel the intricacies of our memory. With shocking insights from his new book, “Why We Remember,” Charan shows us that our brains aren't designed to retain everything but rather to preserve what truly impacts our journey through life.
Charan + Lindsey uncover the societal and spiritual factors associated with the increasing incidence of Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases. Plus, find out how subtle lifestyle shifts like practicing mindfulness, embracing novelty, and leaning into curiosity can improve our memory.
Get ready to challenge your beliefs about your mind, trauma, and depression, as Charan takes us through the science of why we think and feel the way we do. Spoiler – memory actually has the power to make us happy, if we learn to use it to our advantage.
ASPCA | To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/ALMOST30.
OSEA | Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code ALMOST30 at OSEAMalibu.com. You’ll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $60.
Seed | Go to Seed.com/ALMOST and use code 25ALMOST to get 25% off your first month.
AG1 | Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 + 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at drinkAG1.com/ALMOST30.
