“As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears.” – Rumi

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I was horizontal thinking about what happens when people are vertical. Specifically, at work, or not at work – but my thoughts traveled to the people who opted to walk while at work. The ‘walkers’ who circle the building; escape among the trees; are on the treadmill in between meetings. The old saying(s) “take a walk” – “walk it off” – “take a walk and think about it” started to pop up in idea bubbles like an explainer video on a whiteboard drawn by black dry-erase markers and narrated by the monotone story-telling voice.

“Oh, here we go” – I thought.

Ever watch a terminal pull information down locally onto your computer? Welcome to my humanOS in action.

I have been a walker for many years. At first, it was to decompress, then to exercise, and after a while, it matured into allowing an empty mind to lead the way – organically. When I faced a moment where I was not sure how to proceed or wanted to give myself some space before acting – I walked. So, if we can think through problems while walking, what can different exercises do for a human? For a founder as he/she solves complex problems or navigates frustration.

Ah! Neurogenesis.

Made up of the words “neuro” meaning relating to nerves, and “genesis” meaning the formation of something – was found to be stimulated by exercise by researchers in the year 2005 – but had been the torch originally lit by Joseph Altman in the 1960s. Though, Joe’s work was likely not making headlines considering the 1960s was one of the most tumultuous and divisive decades in world history marked by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam war and antiwar protests, countercultural movements, political assassinations, and the generational gap.

Dashing ahead.

Want to keep your brain healthy, solve problems, and become an unstoppable and level-headed decision-maker or leader? Aerobic activities like running, cycling, swimming – and – tada – even sex – are all effective ways of boosting neurogenesis.

Get that heart pumping for more than 20 minutes and you too can be a genius. As sold in the infomercial never – but it should be. What’s the catch? You have to manage stress because it will literally eat away at your intelligence.

Did the human get over heartbreak “with time” or did the work put into attaining the “revenge body” rewire the brain? Did the human who practiced mixed martial arts before heading to the office excel in career growth because of discipline – or because the engaged heart and muscle promoted neurogenesis?

Here’s the plot twist – this is actually a lifestyle – like being vegan. Neurogenesis is influenced by food, body, heart, mind, and spirit. And, if you look around, you’ll find the culprit destroying our brains and our ability to promote neurogenesis on every corner – from fast food to television – especially the news (avoid at all costs!).

So, how to start embracing the lifestyle? Well, google is an awesome resource. And, there’s a starter list below – but I’m sure much more information can be found online.

We can influence neurogenesis through food (primarily the vitamins in the food) like blueberries, (decaf) green tea, turmeric, red onion, and avocado. We covered the body part by engaging in exercise, but it also includes proper sleep, music, silence, and being exposed to nature. We can influence neurogenesis through the heart by feeling positive emotions and loving relationships. We can influence neurogenesis through the mind by learning, reading, writing, problem-solving, discussing ideas, musical training, and cognitive reserve. We can influence neurogenesis through the spirit with meditation, breathwork, and prayer. Last – to save the brain – we must be mindful to avoid or effectively manage carbohydrates, sugar, fried foods, factory foods, caffeine, alcohol, a boring life, excessive tv, and negative feelings.

There’s an Adderall shortage, so, tell the people you love how to promote neurogenesis – because chances are – their doctor won’t.

HumanOS Out!