“Mini Pleasures” Method BOOSTS Brain Power

Maybe it’s the midafternoon slump when your mind starts to wander…

Or perhaps it’s that fuzzy-headed feeling you get when burning the midnight oil.

Whatever the cause, your brain power is fading fast.

If you’re like many folks (including me), that’s when you head to the coffee machine.

But caffeine isn’t the only way to sharpen your mental abilities…

A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports confirmed that coffee can give us a cognitive lift. No surprise there.

But it turns out you might not need that stimulant to get a brain boost.

Volunteers strapped on skin-monitoring wristbands and brain-monitoring headbands for the new study. Then they were tracked while listening to music, sipping coffee, and smelling perfume.

These “mini pleasures” triggered increased beta-band brain-wave activity, a state associated with peak cognitive performance.

And that boost translated to IMPROVED cognitive performance during tasks requiring concentration and memory.

In other words, rewarding yourself with a variety of little delights can literally sharpen your mental abilities.

Here’s how it works…

Anticipating pleasant things, like a favorite treat or leisure activity, fires up your body’s dopamine network, stimulating your brain’s reward system.

The resulting rush of feel-good neurotransmitters boosts your motivation, focus, and memory encoding.

The researchers used music and perfume for their experiment, but it can be anything you enjoy.

Minor indulgences like a dessert, a relaxing bath, a nice walk, or spending time with a friend can give your brain a lift while also lowering stress hormones that impair cognition.

Even planning an event like a future fun outing, meal, or get-together will do the trick.

Unhealthy vices provide short-lived highs.

But the good feelings derived from simple joys boost cognitive performance AND forge new neural pathways that can have an ongoing positive effect on your brain power.

So, the next time you find your focus getting fuzzy, reward yourself with a little pleasure. Your brain will thank you!

P.S. This surprisingly easy 10-minute hack doesn’t JUST pump the brakes on memory loss. It can also REVERSE existing decline!

Source:

Fekri Azgomi, et al. “Regulation of brain cognitive states through auditory, gustatory, and olfactory stimulation with wearable monitoring.” Sci Rep 13, 12399 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-37829-z

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Bright Idea to Dodge the Flu REVEALED (No Shot Needed)

The weather is turning cooler and, as a result, we’re spending more time indoors. That means being around many more people in enclosed spaces and being exposed to any bugs they carry. So, as flu season approaches, looking for ways to support your immune system is vital. After all, a healthy immune response can be...

Read This

Belly Fat Shocker Will Blow Your Mind

You know the drill. You’ve got to get rid of the belly fat because carrying extra weight around your middle is a one-way ticket to an early grave. But what if I told you that not all belly fat is created equal? In fact, new research suggests that one type of belly fat in particular...

Read This

The ULTIMATE Autumn and Winter Survival Guide

As the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp, it’s time to reassess your autumn and winter self-care routine. After all, shoring up your immune system and preparing for the shorter, darker days ahead NOW can ensure you don’t miss out on a single one of those mood-boosting holiday festivities you’re looking forward to....

Read This

“Bear Hack” Helps You Stay Healthy All Fall and Winter Long

Autumn has begun and change is in the air. For folks living where there are dramatically different seasons, the leaves are beginning to turn, and you’re greeted by a crisp chill when you step outside. For those in warmer climates, the subtle shift in air temperature and diminishing light signals the shift into fall. While...

Read This

Are YOU a Victim of Hypertension Misdiagnosis?

Happy Halloween, my friend. I hope your day is filled with plenty of cute trick-or-treating “ghosts” and “ghouls” who couldn’t scare a fly if they tried. But today, I want to talk to you about something that’s TRULY horrifying. And that is medical misdiagnosis. In the world of medical diagnostics, accuracy is paramount. However, a...

Read This

Kitchen Staple Stops Colds in Their Tracks

As we gear up for another cold season, you’re likely wondering how best to keep pesky viruses at bay. Well, new research reveals the secret to fighting off colds could be sitting in your kitchen pantry. The study has uncovered a surprisingly simple remedy that, not only could shorten the duration of colds, but also...

Read This

Mailbag: Recovering from Fatigue and Cognitive Changes After COVID

“After recovering from a mild case of COVID, my perception of the world has changed. I feel that I am half asleep all the time and always tired, and normal tasks are more tiring and harder to undertake.  Taking naps used to perk me up, but no longer. I do not drive anymore because what I view...

Read This

Is Daylight Saving Time Damaging Your Health?

You’ve no doubt seen all the troubling headlines about daylight-saving time. After all, they hit like, well, clockwork twice a year—first in March and again around this time of year, when daylight saving time ends. They warn about heart attacks spiking, car accidents soaring, and how your precious sleep gets thrown into chaos. But what...

Read This

The Hobby Secret to Better Brain Health

We all enjoy our hobbies. After all, that’s WHY we do them. But it turns out your favorite pastimes could be far more than simply enjoyable… New research reveals your hobbies could be the key to keeping your brain sharp as you age. Researchers say whether you’re a crossword enthusiast, a knitting fan, or a...

Read This

Natural Soothing Solutions BANISH Dry Skin

You’re in good company if your skin feels tight, itchy, or flaky as the season changes. Millions battle dry skin daily, and it’s more than just a cosmetic nuisance. Dry skin can cause discomfort, disrupt sleep, and even increase your risk of infections. But before you reach for that tube of chemical-laden lotion, consider this:...

Read This