The Resilient Mind

The 2-Minute Habit That Rewires Your Brain (Backed by Science) - Dr. Therese Huston

Jan 7, 2026
Dr. Therese Huston, a neuroscientist and author, shares actionable insights on enhancing brain health and resilience. She reveals how aerobic exercise can grow the hippocampus and emphasizes the power of mindfulness for the prefrontal cortex. Delve into why micro-breaks boost focus and discover the dangers of multitasking. Therese introduces a quick self-compassion technique to lower stress and discusses how dance benefits brain function. With evidence-based habits, she assures listeners that their best brain days are still ahead!
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INSIGHT

Brain Loss Is Not Inevitable

  • After about age 40 people lose ~5% of gray matter per decade in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
  • Therese Huston says this decline is not inevitable because we can build brain reserve and regain tissue at any age.
ADVICE

Use Aerobic Exercise To Grow Memory

  • Do 40+ minutes of aerobic exercise at least twice weekly to stimulate hippocampal neurogenesis via BDNF.
  • Choose activities you enjoy (running, dancing, swimming) so you sustain the routine.
ADVICE

Meditate To Strengthen Decision Making

  • Try mindfulness meditation ~10 minutes a day, several days a week for eight weeks to add dendrites in the prefrontal cortex.
  • Use active meditations if sitting still is hard to integrate into your day.
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