Amy Robinson

Healthy Mind

Image Source: TEDxAmsterdam Sterling Health

| Creative Director

What is a mind?

Image Source: Onformative

Courtesy of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging and Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, www.humanconnectomeproject.com

The Connectome

Courtesy of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging and Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, www.humanconnectomeproject.com

Connects specialized brain regions allowing for higher cognitive function.

Courtesy of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging and Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, www.humanconnectomeproject.com

Your knowledge and thoughts, hopes and dreamsare neural connection networks.

Image Source: Michael Colicos

Isolated Neuron

Mind StrongImage Source: Jeff Lichtman, Harvard University

Neuron Cell Bodies in Cerebral Cortex

Image Source: Tamily Weissman, Harvard University

Cerebral Cortex Layers

Image: Nerve Growth Factor, Molecules iPad App

80% of Genetic Expression Diversity Occurs in the Brain

Image Source: Albert Pan, Olympus BioScapes

Growing Axons

Mind StrongImage Source: Dawen Cai, Josh R. Sanes, Jeff W. Lichtman, Harvard U.

Myelinated Axons

Image Source: UMPC Cross-section of Myelinated Axon

Image Source: UMPC

Use it or lose it.

Image Source: Dr. Vonda Wright, UPMC

Image Source: Richard Klemke, UCSD

Growing Neuron

Relax

Stress leads to atrophy and loss of neurons.

Source: http://precedings.nature.com/documents/4793/version/1

Image Source: Supplement 23: Handbook of Physiology, The Endocrine System, Coping with the Environment: Neural and Endocrine Mechanisms

Stress-induced neural atrophy

Image Source: Johansson and Belichenko (2002)

Environmental stimuli induces growth

Source: http://precedings.nature.com/documents/4793/version/1

Stress decreases integrity of white matter.

White matter connectivity underlies every complex cognitive process.

Courtesy of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging and Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, www.humanconnectomeproject.com

What’s good for your neurons?

Source: Internetz

HappinessPositive impact:

• Neuroendocrine• Inflammation• Cardiovascular

Source: Andrew Steptoe et al. 2005, PNAS

Image Source: InstantShift

Perspective

140 cal“sensible”

380 cal“average”

620 cal“indulgent”

Source: Yale University Center for Clinical Investigation

The Yale Smoothie Study

Source: Yale University Center for Clinical Investigation

• Participants were less full• Bodies released less

ghrelin, hormone regulating appetite

140 Calorie Group

620 Calorie Group

Source: Yale University Center for Clinical Investigation

• Participants were more full• Bodies released more

ghrelin

The surprising part?

All the smoothies had the same number of calories.

Source: Yale University Center for Clinical Investigation

Perception influences physiological response

in body as well as mind.

Cognitive Appraisal:Subjective assessment of situational demands and available resources.

Image Source: Daily-Diabetic

Exhibit A

Image Source: GlobalReports.com

Exhibit B

Threat vs. Challenge

Sleep

fMRI of Non-REM versus Deep (REM) Sleep

Image Source: Journal of Human Brain Mapping

Rats allowed to sleep but deprived of REM

were dead in 33 days.

Source: Rechtschaffen et al (1983) 

During Sleep:

• Growth hormones are released• Neurotransmitters are synthesized• Protein breakdown in cells slows• Toxins removed• Long-term memories are formed

Source: NIH

Hydration

Your Brain is 60% Water

Dehydration causes shrinkage.

Source: UCSF

Diameter of an axon is directly related to signal transduction capacity.

Dehydration:

Source: UCSF

• Slows Neuron Processing Speeds• Impairs Short-Term Memory• Attentional Deficits

Micronutrients

Image Source: Yale Univeristy

Feed Your Growing Neurons

What food has the highest nutrient value per calorie?

Image Source: Yale Univeristy

Kale: Highest Nutrient Value per Calorie of All Known Foods

Healthy Gut There are more non-human cells in your body than human ones.

100 Trillion Bacteria Responsible for nutrient absorption and influence production of hormones like Serotonin, 90% of which is in gut.

ExerciseRelaxLaughBe HappyShift PerspectiveSleepHydrateEat Welland one more..

Make your mind epic.

Image by bpitman12 on photobucket

Experience Awe

Biological Benefits of Awe:

• Expands perception of time • Increases patience• Boosts decision making ability • Boosts well-being

Image Source: Stanford GSB

[Jason Silva Video]

Image Source: TEDxAmsterdam

ExerciseRelaxationLaughterHappinessPerspectiveSleepHydrationNutritionAwe

Healthy Mind

Amy Robinson

Healthy Mind

Image Source: TEDxAmsterdam Sterling Health

| Creative Director