Aarav Saki (Week 15): A Two Way Street
Although we often consider memory as a concept rooted in the mental realm, it can have a definite and measurable effect on our physical states. In fact, there are plenty of examples of memories having a quantifiable impact on our bodies.
An admittedly grim example of this is the condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder, otherwise known as PTSD. This disorder most commonly develops in people who have developed trauma from an upsetting or disturbing experience, specifically the kind that persists for an extended period of time. The National Institute of Mental Health states that individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder are afflicted with what is known as “re-experiencing symptoms,” which can include “physical symptoms” such as a “racing heart or sweating.” In short, it is the memories of the event that they experienced that is having a demonstrable effect on their bodies.
The link between memory and physical health is not a one way relationship, of course. The physical state of our bodies has been shown to influence our memories, too. For instance, an article published by Harvard Medical School explains that regular exercise has been demonstrated to improve brain health, including the faculties associated with memory. For one, it improves the brain’s ability for growth of both blood vessels and brain cells. But exercise has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, both of which indirectly improve the ability to retain memories.
It is easy to think that our physical health has no bearing on something as “distant” as our memories. But in reality, the two are very clearly interconnected to a degree far greater than what they let on.
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Exercise indeed plays a truly significant and often underappreciated role in memory and concentration. I personally feel too jittery to sit for the lengthy periods of time required to complete homework unless I have exercised first. I also think memory’s role in psychological disorders extends beyond PTSD; often phobias and other anxiety disorders are worsened by unpleasant memories related to certain triggers.
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav, I learned many new things about exercise and memory from your blog. It is interesting to see how much exercise plays a role in improving brain health and memory. Exercise and our physical health is very intertwined with our mental health.
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav, the relationships between body and mind are many and complex. Our minds control our bodies, while our bodies keep our mind alive. This interdependence is the basis of much of life on this planet. It therefor makes sense that one would affect the other.
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav, our well-being does indeed depend on our mental state, and therefore it's important to maintain good mental health in order to ensure well-being. As your blog mentions PTSD, it made me think of how memories can result in someone's pain, going to show how much power memory can (unfortunately) hold over someone.
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav, I found your blog to be very informative and insightful. Although memory is often associated with the positive aspects of life, not many people discuss the negative aspects of memory such as PTSD. As you stated in the blog, PTSD can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, which can be concerning for many people. The side-effects of PTSD are very serious, and it is crucial that we pay more attention to it.
ReplyDeleteHey Aarav, I feel like relationships are important because they allow our bodies to make natural reflexes to adapt to situations where our concise mind wouldn't be as effective quick enough.
ReplyDeleteHi Aarav, I also believe that memories significantly impact our mental state. Things like PTSD are very serious, and the memories of the past hurt many people. I also think that memories that make you happy can change your mood.
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