How My Brain Works

Creativity

Creativity and the Brain

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on March 30, 2024

Research studies indicate specific brain networks involved in creative thinking.

Animal Behavior

Are Pets Good for Our Brain Health?

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on February 28, 2024

Owning a pet may reduce brain aging by up to 15 years.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Update on COVID-19 and How It Changes the Brain

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on January 27, 2024

Cognitive impairments can be seen even in asymptomatic COVID patients. Also, non-hospitalized patients have a significantly higher likelihood of developing mental health problems.

Depression

What are “Holiday Blues” and How to Deal With Them?

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on December 29, 2023

Christmas and New Year’s are usually associated with happy and joyful times with family and friends, but, unfortunately, this is not true for everyone.

Trauma

How to Deal With a Loved One Who Has a Brain Ailment

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on November 26, 2023

People who have problems related to brain functioning require a different approach from loved ones. This also may include people suffering from long-term Covid.

Diet

Why Probiotics and Prebiotics Are Good for Your “Second Brain”

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on October 29, 2023

Research data indicates that our gut produces more than 90 percent of serotonin, the “feel good” chemical in your brain.

Health

Herbs for Cooking Can Be More Than Just Tasty

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on September 29, 2023

Garden sage and bay leaves are commonly used as culinary herbs, but both also have medicinal properties.

Environment

Can the Sounds of Nature Help Heal Our Body and Brain?

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on August 28, 2023

Research shows that listening to the sounds of nature may facilitate physical and mental healing.

Happiness

Why Our Body and Brain Need a Vacation

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on July 27, 2023

Research shows that spending money on vacation tends to bring more lasting happiness than spending money on material things.

Cognition

Music and the Brain

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on June 29, 2023

Research shows that music can affect our cognitive functioning including learning, memory, and attention/concentration.

Diet

Why Eating Quinoa Is Good for the Body and the Brain

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on May 28, 2023

Quinoa contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant compounds and may help protect against some diseases. It is also high in minerals and vitamins.

Environment

How Seasonal Allergies Affect Our Bodies and Brains

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on April 26, 2023

In addition to cognitive problems, seasonal allergies can also affect our mood and sense of well-being.

Anxiety

Herbs for Cooking Can Be More Than Just Tasty

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on March 30, 2023

Most herbs are easily grown, care-free, and will come back every spring. Many of the culinary herbs also have medicinal properties.

Memory

Is Coffee Good for Our Bodies and Brains?

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on February 22, 2023

Research indicates that coffee may be generally good for our body and the brain, but there are exceptions.

Memory

How Colors Affect Brain Functioning

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on January 29, 2023

The ways we are sensitive to color stimulation.

Stress

Your Brain on Stress

Barbara Koltuska-Haskin, Ph.D. on December 23, 2022

Research on stress and its effect on the body and brain has been done for many years. Much research data suggest that some disorders could originate from prolonged stress.