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Dr. Richard Restak - The brain is a use-it-or-lose-it organ. The more you use it, the better it performs. The less you use it, the less capable it becomes
Episode 655
Welcome to the Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for October 13th.
Today is National Train Your Brain Day, an observance that challenges us to engage in activities that stimulate our minds and keep our cognitive abilities sharp. Celebrated annually on October 13th, this day raises awareness about the power of mental training and the importance of keeping our brains active and healthy.
While the exact origins of National Train Your Brain Day aren't well documented, it likely emerged from the growing interest in neuroscience and the understanding that our brains, like muscles, benefit from regular exercise. The day encourages us to tackle puzzles, learn new skills, play games, or engage in any activity that makes our brains work in new and challenging ways.
What makes this day important is its recognition that cognitive health isn't just about genetics or luck – it's something we can actively influence through how we use our minds. Whether through crossword puzzles, learning a new language, playing chess, or simply engaging in thoughtful conversation, we have the power to keep our brains resilient and adaptable.
Today's quote comes from neuroscientist Dr. Richard Restak, who said:
"The brain is a use-it-or-lose-it organ. The more you use it, the better it performs. The less you use it, the less capable it becomes."
Dr. Restak's observation captures exactly what National Train Your Brain Day promotes. Our brains aren't fixed, unchanging organs – they're dynamic systems that respond to how we use them. This concept, called neuroplasticity, has revolutionized our understanding of the brain and aging.
Think about what this means in practical terms. When you learn something new, your brain literally rewires itself, creating new neural pathways. When you challenge yourself with puzzles or unfamiliar tasks, you're strengthening cognitive abilities that might otherwise decline. When you stop challenging your brain, those pathways weaken, and cognitive abilities can diminish.
But here's the beautiful thing: it's never too late to start training your brain. Whether you're twenty or eighty, your brain remains capable of forming new connections, learning new skills, and improving its performance. The key is consistent engagement with activities that challenge and stimulate your mind.
National Train Your Brain Day reminds us that mental fitness, like physical fitness, requires regular exercise. We can't expect our brains to stay sharp if we only engage them in routine, unchallenging activities.
So today, embrace the spirit of National Train Your Brain Day. What can you do today to challenge your mind in new ways? The key is engaging in activities that feel slightly difficult, that require focus and effort.
Maybe it's finally starting that book you've been putting off because it seems too complex. Maybe it's trying a new puzzle type you've never attempted before. Maybe it's learning a new skill, taking a different route to work and really paying attention to what you see, or having a deep conversation about a topic outside your expertise.
Remember Dr. Restak's wisdom: your brain is a use-it-or-lose-it organ. Every time you challenge yourself mentally, you're investing in your cognitive health and future capabilities.
That's going to do it for today, I'm Andrew McGivern signing off for now. But I'll be back tomorrow, same pod time, same pod station with another Daily Quote.
Published on 8 hours ago