In 2021, several scientific investigations are examining how to sleep better, feel less sadness, and experience more happiness. Studies are showing how our brains help us adapt to the real world.
Brain science or Neuroscience is the study of brain activity. Recent studies are expanding our understanding of the brain's role in dreaming, feeling happy, and calm.
Understand Dreams
In the last year, many Americans found that during the global pandemic, they experienced an increase in unusual dreams.
Scientists are exploring different hypotheses to understand this phenomenon.
Erik Hoel, neuroscience assistant professor of Tufts University, explains how surreal dreams may help people explain chaotic and unprecedented changes in the real world.
Feel Happy
Recent studies are examining Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) a precise technique to stimulate areas of the brain. Over 3,500 papers have been published about the efficacy of this methodology for treating depression.
What is TMS for depression? This innovative treatment uses a coil to deliver magnetic waves to pulse certain areas of the brain, thought to stimulate the mood.
This treatment has been shown to help people who have been experiencing symptoms of depression such as decreased energy, irritability, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and decreased sense of happiness. Many people come to TMS because medications and other conventional treatments have not been successful.
Dr. Linda Carpenter at Butler Hospital found that TMS aided people with treatment-resistant depression. Their report confirms a 58% positive response rate and a 37% remissions rate.
Additionally, patients who've found improvement from this treatment often experience benefits that continue 3 years later.
Experience Serenity
Around the world, scientists are studying brain function to learn more. Russian scientists are studying Tibetan monks who have developed advanced meditation skills. They are seeking to understand how the brain is affected during meditation and mindfulness techniques. The studies track brain function changes as monks meditate, contributing valuable data to the understanding of neuroscience.
Numerous studies confirm that mindfulness practices have a positive effect on brainwave and brain function. Neuroscientists are studying the impact of breathing techniques, visualization methods, and sustained practice.
Improve Your Happiness
Fortunately, breathing and visualization practices that make you feel happy are available, without formal training.
If you are curious about how to develop mindfulness practices, you may want to watch TED talks, take a class, and learn basic techniques.
In a TED Talk, Neuroscientist Richie Davidson explains studies showing how the brain changes after brief mindfulness practice. In one famous study, participants practiced mindfulness for only 3 minutes a day. After 2 weeks, brain scans confirmed visible structural changes.
Davidson shows how this works in structural and experiential terms. Specific practices alter how a person feels, thinks, and experiences what is possible. It changes the structure of the brain.
The implications of this are vast. It means that with dedicated practice, a person can alter the structure of their brain. This in turn influences the structure of the brain and can alter the experience of emotions. The benefits of practice are not something limited to monks, scholars, or long-term practitioners.
3 Tips To Practice From Home
1. Track Your Dreams
While we often are living and working at a hectic pace, you may want to improve the quality of your sleep. If you notice that unusual dreams are disturbing your sleep, start to keep track.
Take notes of any changes in your daily habits, eating, media consumption, or interactions. Share your findings with your physician, an advisor, or coach.
2. Notice Attention
Many professionals practice multitasking without really noticing where their attention and focus is. A Harvard study found that professionals were distracted 47% of the time. What can you do instead?
Attend to what you are thinking about. Are you focusing on the past, the present, or the future? Are your thoughts pulling you in many different directions?
By practicing attention skills, it's possible to notice what you are thinking, in real-time.
3. Focus On Experience
Experts in mindfulness often talk about savoring or focusing on an experience. Simply be present with each activity. If drinking tea, notice the sights, sounds, and smells. Savor the experience.
This can be applied to any experience - from walking, sitting, standing, or drinking a cup of tea or coffee.
Imagine the Impact
Imagine what is possible when you track your habits, apply your attention, and focus on your experience.
As these recent scientific studies confirm, it's possible to improve your sleep quality, feel happier, and enjoy feelings of serenity.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of sciencetimes.com
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