Feb
12
Written by:
Erika
2/12/2009 12:48 PM
Toothpaste ran down my left hand, past my wrist, onto my forearm and soaked into my not-Victoria Secret flannel shirt posing as a pajama top. “Brush your teeth with your other hand,” said the Oprah article. Using your nondominate hand for simple chores stimulates a brain protein that improves your mood and memory.
I’ve been “in a mood” lately and am pretty fanatical about brushing my teeth so this seemed like a perfect fit. Apparently the brain protein that is stimulated by this messy tooth brushing process is also increased by antidepressants. Hmmm. Prozac without the side effects. Sounds good to me.
Wiping the toothpaste off of my sleeve and hoping I was able to remove the pesky plaque with my new “be happy” brushing technique, I wondered if I could put this idea into place when I was stressing about a work project. What could I do with my nondominate hand during work to stimulate the brain protein – brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) – and elevate my mood?
File a folder, sharpen a pencil, or maybe answer the phone? Taking notes is out because I have to be able to read them. Let me know if you have any suggestions. I’ll think about it again later when I brush my teeth …this time with my sleeve rolled up!
Copyright ©2009 Erika Oliver
Tags: