Health & Aging | Thrive Wellness
In recent neuroscience news, a fascinating discovery could revolutionize how we think about aging, willpower, and living well.
The following information is derived from the Podcast of Dr. Andrew Huberman. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a prominent neuroscientist and tenured professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. His research focuses on neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance.
Meet Your Brain's 'Will to Live' Center
Nestled deep in your brain is a structure with a complicated name: the anterior mid cingulate cortex (aMCC). In fact, it might just be the key to living a longer, more fulfilling life.
What Does This Brain Area Do?
Recent studies have shown that the aMCC is deeply involved in our ability to do things we don't necessarily want to do. You know, like adding those extra hours of exercise each week or resisting that tempting slice of cake when you're trying to eat healthier.
However, when engaged in these challenging activities, this brain area actually grows larger!
The Fascinating Findings
Scientists have discovered some intriguing facts about the aMCC:
- It's smaller in obese individuals but grows larger when they successfully diet.
- Athletes tend to have a larger aMCC.
- It grows in people who see themselves as challenged and overcome those challenges.
- In people who live very long lives, this area maintains its size.
More Than Just Willpower
The thought may be that this brain structure is our willpower muscle. It's potentially much more than that. Scientists are beginning to view the aMCC as possibly the seat of our very will to live!
What This Means for You
So, what does all this scientific literature mean for you, living your best life in your community? It means that every time you challenge yourself, every time you do something a little difficult or uncomfortable, you're not just accomplishing a task, you're strengthening your brain's 'will to live' center!
How to Flex Your aMCC Muscle
Here are five ways you can exercise your aMCC and potentially boost your longevity and quality of life:
- Take on New Challenges: Learn a new skill, try a new hobby, or tackle a complex puzzle. Your brain will thank you!
- Push Your Physical Limits: (Safely, of course!) Add an extra walk to your week, try a new exercise class, or increase your reps in strength training.
- Resist Temptations: When you say no to that extra helping or choose a healthy snack over a sugary one, you're giving your aMCC a workout.
- Embrace Discomfort: Cold shower, anyone? Small, safe discomforts can be a great way to challenge yourself.
- Set and Pursue Goals: Having objectives to work towards, especially ones that push you out of your comfort zone, can help strengthen this crucial brain area.
The Bigger Picture
Remember, this isn't just about living longer. It's about living better. By challenging yourself and strengthening your aMCC, you're potentially improving your overall quality of life, maintaining your independence, and replenishing your fuel for burning bright.
Here's my challenge to you
This week, do one thing each day that you don't particularly want to do, but know is good for you. It could be anything from adding an extra 10 minutes to your daily walk to finally organizing that cluttered drawer. Start small and build some momentum.
Keep a journal of these activities and how they make you feel. You might be surprised at the sense of accomplishment and vitality that comes from these small challenges.
Remember, every time you push yourself, you're not just improving a skill or accomplishing a task. You're strengthening your brain's 'will to live.' And that is a pretty amazing thing.
