John Medina's Brain Rules

When I first saw John Medina, I was at a data geeks’ conference in San Diego California. His presentation style was vigorous and engaging, and the topic was mesmerizing. So much so, that I bought his book, Brain Rules, when I returned to Canada the very next week (http://www.brainrules.net/).

I am now in my second read of the book. This book is so amazing that I didn’t even take a break in between reads. I also wanted to capitalize on one of Medina’s “rules” repeat to remember. There is so much information crammed into this little book and I want to remember some of it. So here is a summary of John Medina’s Brain Rules, and how I interpret each one within my own life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be intelligent into their old age, because it isn’t just about reading and putting information into your brain, there is a lot more to it.

Rule # 1 – Exercise is good for the brain. This is interesting because it makes so much sense. Exercise is good for the rest of our bodies why not our brain. For me this was a no brainer. I exercise. I think I am pretty smart. Hmmm, maybe all this exercise I do is also helps me be smart. The most shocking thing is the depth and breadth of impact that exercise can have on the brain. Better than any pill, it can reduce the impacts of advance dementia and Alzheimer’s. It can even help anxiety, stress, and depression. I have none of these, but I do have a sharp mind and intend to keep exercising now that I know how good it is not only for my body but also for my mind.

Rule #2 – The brain’s primary purpose is to help us survive long enough to pass on our genes. Make sense? Well a little simplistic, but we are a product of our own evolution. The way I interpret this is that the brain’s job is really to get us to the stage where we want to and can have sex. OK that does explain our societies obsession with it.

Rule #3 – Every brain is wired differently and the re-wiring goes on all of our lives. Thank goodness

Rule #4 – Attention only lasts about 10 minutes, you can only attend to one thing at a time (multitasking is a myth. I had to confirm the multitasking thing, which alas turns out to be true (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_multitasking). So that means that talking on your cell phone while driving really is bad. Don’t do it!

Rule #5 – Repeat to remember, at least in the short term. Isn’t that what I am doing?

Rule #6 – Remember to repeat, our long term member helps us repeat things and avoid doing stupid things. However, it seems to me that we do a lot of stupid things in pursuit of Rule #2 above.

Rule #7 – Sleep is essential to brain function – Duh!

Rule #8 – Stress makes it difficult if not impossible for the brain to learn. So, don’t be mean to your employees. Don’t be an ass to people around you, take a care and take care of yourself!

Rule #9 – Sensory stimulation helps us remember. The more senses are stimulated, the better we remember. Hmmm, how does that fit with the modern day class room?

Rule #10 – Vision is the most important sense, it takes up most of your brain’s processing power AND competes with other sense like smell, which is losing by the way.

Rule #11 – Women’s brains are thicker, fatter, and generally higher functioning than mens'. Yes, you read correctly. So, why in this day and age are women still discriminated against? No rule for that.

Rule #12 – Humans are powerful natural explorers and are driven to learn. Seems we have only recently come up with the term Life Long Learner, but hey we are catching on.

And there you have it John Medina’s 12 brain rules. In my humble opinion, this book is a must read for parents, teachers, educators, and business leaders on all levels. One of the best books I’ve read in recent years.