The Mid-Life Brain & Beyond

Want to build muscle, improve memory and condition the brain? In a recent USA Today interview, John Ratey, M.D. recommends working up a sweat at least four or five days a week if you find yourself stressed or depressed.

More importantly, a vigorous workout can help revitalize the aging brain. Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, points to a number of studies that show regular physical activity can prevent the age-related fogginess that often develops by age 65.

Exercise connects the head to the body. For example, the act of walking grounds one to the earth; weight training focuses you on your body; bike riding makes you mentally alert for cars and stray dogs!

But, I think the greatest antidote to mental fatigue and ennui is laughter.

I attended a health and fitness lecture yesterday conducted by Austin Davis, a former stand-up comedian, police officer and male adventurer. His Web site bills him as "America's funniest fitness specialist." I don't know about "America's," but he certainly is Houston's funniest professional trainer.

After a serious sky diving accident ("Is there any other kind?" Austin asks.), he decided to take control of his midlife male body. (Visit FitandFunny.net for more info.)

When I left the session, I was motivated to change some habits, both physical and mental. Prior to attending, I hadn't known I was making excuses for my sedentary lifestyle. Somehow, the laughter cleared the cobwebs in my brain. Austin Davis, with his "laugh and learn" approach, gave me the stimulus I needed.

Austin's best advice: Relax. Reflect. Re-center. Even if you don't change your eating habits, new mental habits can create a new you.