The Max Planck Institute in Germany just published a study that shows being near forests increases brain plasticity.

Older adults in Berlin who live near trees have healthier brains.

In particular, the amygdala, the stress reduction portion of the brain, is bigger, healthier and more active in those living close to forests.

Research on the brain shows environment can shape brain structure as well as function.

Brain plasticity is defined as the way our brains form new cells, neural connections, and improve its capabilities throughout life.

Little Ones Aged 4 and 5 Years Old

The effect of green spaces like grass did not have the same outstanding effect as trees did on the older adults. However the opposite, may be true for children.

A  study out this week, conducted in Spain shows that children’s brain development (aged 4 and 5 years old) benefited more from green spaces over big trees.

So for kids, contact with grass and smaller shrubs was more effective than contact with big trees. These little ones had improved cognitive development and attention span when spending time in green spaces.

In any case, our  brains like trees.

Our brains are constantly changing.

Brains have the ability to grow and change throughout life.

So let’s help our brains along by going outside and staying outside for as long as we can.

It is still winter in Canada. So these are the things that I love and that keep me outside.

For potential Canadian purchasers, this link will take you to US Amazon.com. When Amazon sees you are from Canada, it will ask you if you want to go to Canadian Amazon.ca? Please agree and continue to purchase (anything) through this same link. This allows me to earn a small percentage and to keep my affiliation with Amazon. Thank you for your support.

This is the only sunscreen that my dermatologist recommends. I have Lupus so sunscreen is serious business.

Amazon Canada link:

This sunscreen is light and smooth. It comes in tinted and regular.  I use and love both. They are waterproof and completely invisible, while softening skin.

I wear CEPS marina wool compression stockings. These keep my feet warm. They also keep all my muscles and tendons in place to increase my performance and strength out there on the trails.

Keep Your Core Warm: In my last post I talked about how keeping your core warm with Columbia layers of omniheat jacket, vest, and base layer shirt. This omni heat technology is patented and it works.

I am an affiliate with Columbia and Sorel because they provide best clothing and footwear to stay outside all day.

And make sure to that your phone is always charged to capture the beauty of the outdoors. I always have this in my purse. My heavy duty battery charger. It charges quickly.

Amazon  Canada link:

So if you can, play outside all day.

And say it with me

“Healthy Tree, Healthy Me!”

Verla

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