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The human brain is amazing on so many levels. With 100 billion neurons, your brain controls everything from your personality to your movement. As with most major health topics, particularly those involving serious life-altering conditions, the science of brain health is widely studied, yet often misunderstood.
The unsolicited advice and personal “truths” from others can also lead to agonizing feelings and overzealous behaviors to fix something that may need a tune up but isn’t broken. This directly impacts an individual’s wellness and self-care, sometimes causing more harm than good.
Here are a few debunked myths about the brain to keep in mind:
Myth: People are either left-brained or right-brained.
Truth: Scientists have found there is no evidence people use one side of their brain more than the other.
Myth: You only use 10% of your brain.
Truth: Neurologists agree that the brain is constantly active, and humans are capable of using their brains at full capacity, even when sleeping.
Myth: Brain size affects intelligence.
Truth: Intelligence is determined by the number of connections between brain cells, called synapses, not by the size of the brain itself.
Myth: Babies exposed to classical music will be smarter.
Truth: There is no compelling evidence that children who listen to classical music are going to have any improvement in their cognitive abilities.
Myth: Doing puzzles can improve your memory.
Truth: People can improve their memory by doing things like crossword puzzles. However, a puzzle will only strengthen the type of memory it uses. If you do crossword puzzles, you’ll get better at doing crosswords. According to the Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center at Johns Hopkins, benefits last as long as you stick with a certain activity.
Our brains are amazingly resilient. We can continue learning as long as we live. The concept is called “Neuroplasticity.” An article in Psychology Today states, the importance of neuroplasticity is huge because it means we can continue to change and overcome obstacles that previously held us back.
Build daily routines around wellness and approach life with as much joy – it will spread.
