Oxford Press’ word of the year: Brain Rot
Technically this is a phrase but let’s not split hairs. Who needs more split ends?!
Brain rot is defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration”.
One of the best ways to counter the rotting effects of scrolling is to learn something. That’s my goal for everything I share with you.
When we’re young (pre-teen primarily), learning is easy. Our brain is flooded with Alpha and Theta brain waves that make it more receptive to absorbing new information.
Kids naturally learn a new language or how to play a musical instrument much easier than adults.
I always wished I had learned to play the piano when I was a kid. My mom said she played when she was young and quit as soon as her mom let her.
Would I have abandoned the learned skill too? Unfortunately, I’ll never know.
I took piano lessons for a while in my 40s. It was P.A.I.N.F.U.L. My teacher “quit” … telling me that I wasn’t practicing enough. Teaching me wasn’t fun for her because I wasn’t demonstrating improvement … the results of her efforts. 
It’s true. I wasn’t making much progress. Did I mention how painful it was?
The natural synaptic pruning from my teens was effective. My brain is capable of intense focus when necessary … which is not what’s required when we’re young and learning nonstop.
BUT …
There’s always a but.
Too much scrolling can “rot” an otherwise perfectly capable brain.
And, in midlife, the additional stressors increase the risk of toxicity building leading to that rotting brain becoming foggy.
How do we keep our brain sharp?
Staying mentally active helps but it may not be enough in midlife and beyond.
We also need to manage toxic stressors. I do that by rebooting regularly with my “Human Energy System Reboot™ .”
It’s relatively easy and flexible. As we enter the new year, it’s a great time to prioritize self-care. That’s what I’ll be doing. Will you join me?
Grab the Reboot™ Kit and start making a plan.
