Proprioception (Pro-pree-o-SEP-shun)
Even though you may feel frightened by this word, your brain LOVES it!
Proprioception allows one to sense position, location, orientation, and movement of the body and its parts, even with the eyes closed. Unlike the other senses such as sight, taste, smell, touch, or hearing that give one information about the "outside", proprioception is the sensation of that which is occurring inside the body. Proprioception is the most important sense of the body by keeping one balanced, erect, and agile!
Our brains thrive on this valuable sensory information. As a matter of fact, cognitive development is propelled forward by this type of sensory information. It is no coincidence that an infant begins to develop advanced cognition once the proprioceptive sensory information begins to feed the brain when the child begins to crawl and walk. These activities require balance and extreme coordination. It is also no coincidence that as one ages, their cognitive abilities begin to decline as the senses of proprioception decrease by lack of activity.
Nourish your brain every day with proprioceptive activities. Balance - stand on one foot. Exercise with free-weights. Take the stairs. Keep your body and mind active and healthy!
