New research has uncovered simple behaviors that can boost brain health and mood in humans, similar to the effects of natural antidepressants. Neuroscientists led by Kelly Lambert of the University of Richmond conducted studies on rats to understand how confronting difficulties and learning new things affects animal brains.
The researchers taught rats to drive miniature cars by pulling a lever to navigate towards a reward of Fruit Loops. To their surprise, the rats demonstrated intense motivation for driving training and showed signs of joy in their body language and behavior.
In contrast, rats that received their rewards without having to work for them displayed less complex brain activity and exhibited poorer coping mechanisms when faced with challenges.
The study’s findings suggest that simple behaviors can have a significant impact on brain health, mood, and overall well-being. Lambert emphasizes the importance of moving our bodies to learn new tasks and overcome obstacles, highlighting the human equivalent as teaching a new hobby or taking a class.
These “behaviorceuticals” offer a promising approach for improving mental health and cognitive function, particularly in an age where many people struggle with sedentary lifestyles and decreased physical activity. By incorporating everyday activities that challenge us and promote movement, we can potentially reap similar benefits to the rats’ improved brain health and mood.
Source: https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/neuroscience-discovered-behaviorceuticals-that-improve-brain-health-and-mood-like-a-natural-antidepressant/91020482