For those of us middle-aged, read on.

[shootingstar]

As a side, is there anybody interested in reading about this 'neuroplasticity' stuff. I'm talking about the science of how we can train our brain to think positive, to visualize happy selves, to pump out endorphines instead of cortisol, it's heady stuff (pun intended) , but I am not interested in antidepressants . I feel active visualization and lots of exercize w/ healthier diet might be my only option for preventing total madness. I need to read the book again, it was difficult sciency read, and I dropped it in the middle. I would love it if some of you here joined me. "Evolve Your Brain" by Joe Dispenza, and/or "The Brain That Changes Itself " by Norman Doidge. There are likely dozens of books like this available, but these are good starters.

It's tough to reject the antidepressant option so that I can get out of anxiety, and instead to try to reach for something so far inside the core of my being.

For certain cycling almost every day, is a good start hermitgirl. It is for me or if the weather is crappy, I do some stretching exercises, etc. As well as eating mindfully and healthily. One can never go wrong here.

i also think brain health is related to trying to learn something new each year. It doesn't have to involve taking a course. And it helps one's social circles and family members are people who enjoy learning about new stuff too. So you can share that new-found stuff with one another.