The Amazing Brain: Understanding The BasicsThe brain is an amazing organ. Weighing approximately three pounds, and containing approximately 100 billion neurons, the brain controls all necessary functions of the body, receives and interprets information from the outside world, and embodies the essence of the mind. Intelligence, emotion, and memories are just a few of the processes governed by the brain.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the components of the nervous system; describe the structures and functions of the brain; explain the functions of the two hemispheres of the brain; explain the role of neuron connections, synapses, and neurotransmitters; describe the effect of normal aging on the brain; describe the role of brain imaging and gene studies in the identification of neurological disorders; examine the effects of genes and the environment; and differentiate between current theories of neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and epigenetics.
Wire Your Brain for HappinessThe hidden power of everyday positive experiences can change your brain and change your life. Everyone wants to be happy and healthy. By focusing on becoming happier and creating positive experiences, research suggests that you will experience increased energy, improved immune function, increased creativity, improved relationships, and increased productivity—happiness results in a healthier brain, a more vibrant body, and a longer life.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe how happy, positive experiences, and emotions affect the brain. The relationship between happiness and neuroplasticity, determinants of happiness, happiness assessment tools, and practices to increase happiness will be examined.
Music, Sound, and the Healthy BrainWhether you are listening to rock music in your car or listening to Mozart at home, music has an effect on your brain. Engaging in musical activity (listening and creating) involves almost every region of your brain. Music affects the brain, the mind, the thought process, and the spirit.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the elements of and principles of sound; how music engages the whole brain; the brain-based benefits of music; the physiological and psychological effects of music; the effect of music on mental health and stress reduction, therapeutic uses and benefits, music and the healthy aging brain; and the future of music and brain health.
Meditation and Brain HealthMeditation is a mind-body practice with many methods and variations that are all based on the silence and stillness of present-moment awareness. Exciting research is showing that a regular practice of meditation causes physical changes in the brain that can be beneficial to mental and physical health. Meditation can also change the way the brain functions.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to examine current neuroscience research and the effects of meditation on brain waves, identify meditation techniques to enhance brain health, and explore the psychological and physiological effects of meditation.
Sleep And The Brain: What's The ConnectionDo you wake up in the morning feeling sleepy? Do you feel sleepy during the day? A good night's sleep is as essential for your brain and your body as food and water. Sleep deprivation affects the brain in multiple ways, impairing judgment, affecting cognition, and slowing reaction times. Sleep quality affects your mental and physical health in ways science is just beginning to understand.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the effects of sleep on brain health, the role of sleep in health, the impact of sleep deprivation on health; the stages of sleep; and conventional and integrative therapies for improving sleep.
Play And The Brain: Why Play Matters To Your Gray Matter"Act like a child" is probably not a phrase that is on the top of anyone's mind. Yet, researchers are discovering that there are many health benefits to rediscovering your inner child. Play is vital to the health of human beings, and it is an essential component of a healthy life. Play is present in all mammals, including human beings. In human beings, it is equally important for children as it is for adults. While childishness is not desirable, being "childlike" is.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss the impact that play has on the brain and overall well-being; the importance of play in human development; the qualities and characteristics of play; the types of play and play personalities; the health benefits of play; and the ways to incorporate play into everyday life.
Healthy Lifestyles: How Stress, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Substance Abuse, And Nature Affect Brain HealthIndividuals' lifestyles can have a powerful impact on the health of their body and mind. The brain is affected by virtually every aspect of their life. Including their levels of stress, the foods they choose to eat, the amount and type of physical activity in which they engage, whether or not they abuse drugs, and whether or not they regularly spend time in nature.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to discuss the effects of brain health on specific lifestyle factors, including stress, nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse, and nature.