Tony Stephens, an exercise physiologist at BUPA Manchester Hospital, believes exercise plays a big part in improving your mental health. Some say it's because the brain's neurotransmitters are stimulated by exercise. As they mediate our moods and emotions, we feel less stressed. Many scientists believe age-related decline in learning and memory can be partly avoided by exercising the mind. This can be done by taking in new hobbies and learning new things.
Depression decreases the very processes that are required for learning and memory.
This is because odour can unlock memories and boost mental performance by up to 20 percent, they claim. Aromatherapy works only if you believe it will, researchers at Munich University reported in New Scientist magazine. They reached their conclusion after testing volunteers with essential oils peppermint, jasmine and ylang-ylang, which are reputed to boost mental alertness. A major factor in brain power is how driven you are, says Professor Cary Cooper, BUPA professor of occupational psychology and health at the University of Manchester. The most successful people are so driven they try to utilise as much of their mental capacity as possible.