Lisa Lukianoff, Psy.D.
  • Lisa Lukianoff, Psy.D.
  • Professional Blog
  • Legal & Copyright Disclaimer

Happiness linked to #eudaemonic #well-being (intentional expression) on a cellular level

8/31/2013

 
The idea that our thoughts and moods are linked to an individual’s level of "happiness" has a surprising outcome rooted in genetic testing. Hedonic well-being (the subjective judgments of external experiences that produce a state of happiness) is determined to produces a cellular expression that produces more inflammatory cells in an immune response and less antibody production. In contract, eudaemonic well-being (intentional expression of interior beliefs and values that produce actions) produces .lower levels of inflammatory cells and greater levels of antibodies. 

Barbara L. Fredrickson, Karen M. Grewen, Kimberly A. Coffey, Sara B. Algoe, Ann M. Firestine, Jesusa M. G. Arevalo, Jeffrey Ma, and Steven W. Cole 
A functional genomic perspective on human well-being
PNAS 2013 110: 13684-13689.

#Neuralplasticity and #neurogenesis and the aging brain

8/23/2013

 
The aging brain is a heterogenous process and varies individually, case by case. Neuroplasticity and neurogenesis aid the aging brain in creating new neural structure, thereby minimizing any impact of asymptomatic pre-clinical lesions.
  • "Neuroplasticity, defined as the ability of the neuronal system to respond to intrinsic and external stimuli by reorganizing is structure, connections, and functions, is of great importance for the aging brain.
  • Recent neuroimaging data have provided changes in aging brain that reflect compensatory mechanisms or neuronal restitution. Larger brain and hippocampal volumes and neuronal hypertrophy were associated with preserved cognition despite a high burden of AD pathology."
(Kurt A. Jellinger, MD, PhD; Johannes Attems, MD, PhD, 2013, Neuropathology, cerebral aging, and neuroplasticity ,Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience - Vol 15- No. 1)

The #hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis plays a vital role in stress response

8/20/2013

 
Experiencing stressful situations prompts a cascading neuropsychological response, in our brains and in our bodies.
During episodes of stressful encounters, the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis acts as a regulator,. The HPA is both influenced by and provide feedback to the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands. The HPA function is a primary aspect of the neuroendocrine system in the stress response cycle, including bodily regulation of digestion, the immune system, emotions and moods, sexuality and the inflow and outflow of energy. It serves as a central mechanism for the complex interactions of hormones, glands, and parts of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). The HPA axis combined with corticosteroids produces the physiological response to stress. (Lange C, Zschucke E, Ising M, Uhr M, Bermpohl F, Adli M., 2013).

#hypothalamicpituitaryadrenocorticalaxis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23931983

Defeat your inner-critic and thrive, despite it!

8/13/2013

 
"Follow your fascinations and immerse yourself in them. Just begin working on something that you love and don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Trust your process and your intuition." - Gail McMeekin

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/01/28/how-i-create-creativity-coach-and-author-gail-mcmeekin/

Experience-dependent brains get boosts by life-long learning and being socially active, among other acitivites

8/8/2013

 
Not only do our brains sprout new neurons based on experiences we have (via #neurogenesis and #neuroplasticity) but specific activities help protect your brain. This brain growth-protection is based on the "use it or lose it" premises:

1. Never stop learning. 
2. Immerse yourself in another culture. 
3. Seek out tough "stretch" assignments.
4. Manage stress. 
5. Have lots of friends. 

I'll add to this list, exercise, seek novelty in new experiences, and have fun!

http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2013/08/08/5-ways-to-protect-your-brain-and-boost-your-career/

#Running and exercise in general prompts cellular changes that increase, among other things, #metabolic-action

8/2/2013

 
 "Exercise elicits gene expression changes that trigger structural and metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle. We determined whether DNA methylation plays a role in exercise-induced gene expression. Whole genome methylation was decreased in skeletal muscle biopsies obtained from healthy sedentary men and women after acute exercise."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22405075

    Author

    This blog is intended to explore ideas, educate, entertain and expand our thinking. Some posts speak to current trends in the brain sciences, neural benefits of exercise & sports, emotional intelligence and personal growth. 

    About me. Experienced Consultant  with a demonstrated history of working in the professional services industry. Skilled in psychological assessment, executive coaching, clinical research writing, and behavioral medicine. Strong healthcare services professional with a Psy.D., Doctorate in Clinical Psychology focused in Clinical Psychology..

    Tweets by @lisa_lukianoff

    Categories

    All
    Bouncing Back
    Emotional Intelligence
    Executive Coaching
    Idea Blog
    Neurogenesis
    Neuroplasticity
    Neuroscience And Exercise
    Neuroscience And Genetics
    Neuroscience And Pspychoanalysis
    Psychoanalytic Pain Management
    Psychological Consulting
    Psychotherapy
    Resilience
    The Brain And Emotions

    Archives

    October 2018
    December 2017
    August 2017
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    April 2013
    August 2012
    December 2011

    RSS Feed

    © Copyright Lisa Lukianoff, Psy.D., 2020 http://www.lisalukianoffpsyd.com/professional-blog All Rights Reserved
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Lisa Lukianoff, Psy.D.
  • Professional Blog
  • Legal & Copyright Disclaimer