BDNF, or Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, is a growth factor involved in neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, memory storage, mood, brain health, and cognition and the nervous system.
Low levels of BDNF can contribute to depression and other cognitive/mental/mood disorders, and increasing BDNF can improve them.
Increasing BDNF can have beneficial effects and significantly improve learning, memory retention, mood, cognitive ability, memory, concentration, and motivation.
Increasing BDNF can also induce and improve flow-states by it’s above mentioned benefits.
Inability to concentrate, low attention-span, poor/weak memory, depression and anhedonia, ADHD/ADD, lack of motivation, low “energy”, and irritability are all symptoms of low BDNF.
BDNF plays a role in addiction, and low levels can increase the likelihood of developing reliances on stimulants – including video games and music – and increase the likelihood of relapse.
Increasing BDNF can help improve recovery from addictions, reduce the likelihood of relapse, and improve the development of good habits and resisting bad habits.
Increasing BDNF can also improve memory and skill retention, such as mind-body connection and skill in martial arts.
Exercise, good nutrition, an enriched environment, and more can increase BDNF, suggesting that many are deficient in BDNF given the low rates of such habits and lifestyle.
Things that improve health and such that can increase BDNF go hand-in-hand, thus another reason to do more of these and improve health.
Increasing BDNF (i.e. Improving Health & Brain/Mental Health) should be an area of interest to many, especially those looking to increase their performance and improve their reading, memory, concentration, focus, writing, and mood and motivation.
How To Increase BDNF:
1. Exercise
2. High-Intensity Exercise
3. Walks
4. Being In Nature
5. Sleep
6. Enriched Environment
7. Puzzles
8. Sunlight & Vitamin D
9. Reading
10. Chess & Other Games
11. Lion’s Mane
12. Bacopa Monnieri
13. Social Interaction
14. Exploring And Going To New Places
15. Driving (Related To Above)
16. Cleaning
17. A Clean Environment
18. Showering/Bathing
19. Grooming & Dressing Nicely/Dressing The Way You Want To
20. Using Your Opposite Hand
21. Changing Your Environment Or Routine
22. Vitamins and Minerals, Especially Vitamin A, D, E, Zinc, and Magnesium.
23. Music, Especially Classical Music
24. Caffeine
25. Tea And Coffee
26. Cacao Or Dark Chocolate
27. Antioxidants
28. Writing And Speaking (Social Interaction, Public Speaking, etc.)
29. Acting And/Or Singing
30. Doing Something New
31. Doing Something Fun
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