• Click or tap the arrow at right to see the next tip.
  • Make Post-Pandemic Plans. Research suggests that anticipation of an upcoming event may be even more rewarding than the event itself. As we think about what our post-pandemic lives will be like — and envision ourselves meeting with our friends and traveling without worrying about transmitting a deadly virus — neurochemicals such as dopamine direct our attention toward better times.
  • Continue to learn new hobbies. When the going got rough during forced quarantine, the tough got busy with rewarding tasks such as baking bread, learning to play a new instrument, and sewing masks.  With so much uncertainty in the world around us, gaining a sense of control through baking and other hobbies — with more certain outcomes — lowers stress hormones.
  • Acknowledge the importance of rational decision-making. Our brains are changing from the womb to the tomb, and it’s our responsibility to provide a healthy knowledge and experiential diet to our neural networks to optimize our mental functions. Evidence-based scientific approaches are necessary to generate solutions for the vast array of challenges facing our society — such as threats to our environment, health, and social infrastructure.
  • Get back to nature. When everything else seemed to shut down, we headed to parks and nature trails for exercise and a welcomed distraction from the many screens necessary for virtual work settings.  Our ancestors’ brains evolved in natural settings, so it’s no surprise that these nature retreats take us back to our neural roots and provide a much-needed respite from our contemporary lifestyles.

  • Welcome change in our lives. The vast array of changes that we have experienced during the pandemic reminds us that we have the capacity to adapt to very different circumstances throughout our lives. Creative perspectives and thought patterns emerge when our brains are forced to flex new neural muscles.

  • Embrace the healing touch. Our skin represents the largest organ in our body and nurturing contact  — in the form of hugs, handshakes, and pats on the back — can result in the release of neurochemicals such as oxytocin that has been associated with lower stress hormones. Petting animals has been shown to enhance oxytocin levels. Pet adoptions increased through the pandemic and has probably been therapeutic for our mental health.

6 ways to have a great new year using brain science

January 15, 2021

Research & Innovation

Faculty experts recently offered their tips for making resolutions, based on their areas of expertise. Here Kelly Lambert, professor of behavioral neuroscience, offers insight on getting off to a good start in 2021 based on the science of how our minds work. Click or tap the right arrow above to read on.