Neurotransmitters allow communication between neurons, and several types of neurotransmitters must be present in the nervous system for optimal mental and physical health. Neurotransmitter production decline naturally with age and in the case of some mental and physical health conditions, and this deficiency can manifest in obvious symptoms. You may be able to stimulate the availability of neurotransmitters through mental exercises, according to the book "Traumatic brain injury: rehabilitative treatment and case management."
Step 1
Challenge your mind by engaging in regular learning activities to help slow the loss of neuronal connections in the brain that are associated with the aging process. New activities, such as painting, knitting, pottery or woodworking, access the creative part of the brain and promote calming neurotransmitter release.
Step 2
Learn a new language in order to expand neuronal pathways and increase neurotransmitter production. Foreign languages place demands on the brain due to cultural and conceptual differences which are expressed in words that demand plasticity in the brain, notes "Traumatic brain injury: rehabilitative treatment and case management."
Step 3
Solve word problems and crossword puzzles. Requiring the brain to think beyond comfortable vocabulary boundaries protects neuronal breakdown from occurring and promotes mental health through increased production of neurotransmitters, according to "Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychology."
Step 4
Play Sudoku or work out math problems for fun. Numbers demand different parts of the brain to problem solve, and "Traumatic brain injury: rehabilitative treatment and case management" notes that working through a daily mathematical equation can stimulate neurotransmitter release for clearer thoughts and moods. Work just beyond your comfort range to ensure a mental challenge.
Step 5
Write something that inspires your verbal creativity daily. According to "Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice: Skills, Strategies, and Techniques," Alzheimer's studies indicate that people with more verbal tendencies have a lower rate of developing Alzheimer's than their less verbal peers.
Tips and Warnings
- The brain provides optimal functioning during any mental activities if it's well nourished prior to the task. Consume whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, lean meats, vegetables and with plenty of water prior to a mental workout.
- Neurotransmitters consist of the chemicals acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, serotonin and endorphin. Mental and physical health concerns related to low or excessive levels of any of these neuronal chemicals should be addressed by a medical doctor or mental health professional for proper assessment and treatment. Avoid refined sugars, processed grains and chemical substances, including alcohol.
Things You'll Need
- Painting supplies
- Knitting supplies
- Clay
- Wood
- Woodworking tools
- Word problems
- Crossword puzzles
- Sudoku puzzles
- Pen
- Paper
References
- "Traumatic brain injury: rehabilitative treatment and case management"; Mark J. Ashley; 2003
- "The American Physical Therapy Association Book of Body Maintenance and Repair"; Steve Vickery and Marilyn Moffat; 2004
- "Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychology"; Todd Feinburg and Martha Farah; 2003
- "The American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness";Larry Trivieri Jr.; 2001
- "Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice: Skills, Strategies, and Techniques"; John Sommers-Flannagan; 2004
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