10 Neuroscience-Based Habits for a Healthier Mind Quiz

Explore key insights from neuroscience to replace common unhealthy habits with brain-friendly alternatives. Learn simple changes that support better memory, mood, and overall well-being.

1. Phone Use Upon Waking

   Why does Dr. Schmidt avoid checking her phone first thing in the morning?

   1. It allows her to check important news.
   2. It helps her wake up more quickly.
   3. It increases morning stress by spiking cortisol.
   4. It keeps her alarm clock functioning.

   Explanation: Dr. Schmidt avoids her phone in the morning because exposure to notifications and stressors raises cortisol and can start the day in a high-stress state. The other options confuse the actual reason, as using the phone does not help her wake up better, nor is it about reading the news or alarm clock function.

2. Morning Hydration

   What positive action does Dr. Schmidt take immediately after waking up to benefit her brain?

   1. She drinks about 300 ml of lukewarm water.
   2. She meditates for an hour.
   3. She eats a large breakfast.
   4. She exercises intensely.

   Explanation: Dr. Schmidt hydrates every morning because dehydration can affect mood and cognitive function. The other options (meditating, exercising, or eating breakfast) were not mentioned as her immediate habits.

3. Gratitude Practice

   Which practice does Dr. Schmidt recommend instead of starting the day with technology?

   1. Making a to-do list
   2. Checking social media
   3. Thinking about what she's grateful for
   4. Watching TV news

   Explanation: She advocates for a regular gratitude practice to enhance mental and physical health. The alternatives involve technology or tasks, which she specifically suggests avoiding upon waking.

4. Sleep Importance

   What does science say about the importance of sleep according to Dr. Schmidt?

   1. Sleep is mostly important for children.
   2. Sleep resets brain and body health each day.
   3. Sleep wastes valuable productivity time.
   4. People need only a few hours of sleep weekly.

   Explanation: Dr. Schmidt quotes a sleep scientist saying that sleep is crucial for resetting health daily. The other options incorrectly minimize the necessity or universality of sleep.

5. Sleep Routine

   How does Dr. Schmidt ensure quality sleep?

   1. Maintains a consistent bedtime in a cool, quiet, and dark room
   2. Watches television before bed for relaxation
   3. Consistently sleeps less than six hours
   4. Eats a large meal before sleeping

   Explanation: She protects her sleep by having a consistent schedule and reducing light and noise. Watching TV, sleeping too little, or eating large meals before bed are not her recommended practices.

6. Memory Accuracy

   According to Dr. Schmidt, how should we think about the reliability of our memories?

   1. Memories are constructions and can change over time.
   2. Memories cannot be altered once formed.
   3. Memories work like a perfect video recording.
   4. Memories are never influenced by emotions.

   Explanation: She emphasizes that memory is malleable due to processes like reconsolidation. The incorrect options suggest an unrealistic or fixed view of memory, which science does not support.

7. False Memories

   What phenomenon that Dr. Schmidt mentions shows people can confidently remember things that never happened?

   1. False memories
   2. Genetic memory
   3. Muscle memory
   4. Perfect recall

   Explanation: Dr. Schmidt discusses false memories—incorrect yet confidently held recollections. The other concepts either do not relate to remembering events (muscle/genetic memory) or falsely assume memory is flawless.

8. Flashbulb Memories

   What is a 'flashbulb memory' according to the overview provided?

   1. Short-term memory loss after a loud noise
   2. A detailed memory of a highly emotional event
   3. A type of memory only about photographs
   4. A memory improved by bright lights

   Explanation: Flashbulb memories refer to vivid memories of disruptive or emotional events. The incorrect options misapply the concept, focusing on unrelated or literal interpretations.

9. Reconsolidation

   What happens every time you remember a past event, as explained by Dr. Schmidt?

   1. The memory becomes permanently fixed.
   2. You erase other memories.
   3. You always remember new details accurately.
   4. The memory can become malleable and change through reconsolidation.

   Explanation: She describes reconsolidation, where recalling memories can update or alter them. The distractors either deny malleability or describe unlikely outcomes.

10. Note Taking for Memory

    How does Dr. Schmidt compensate for the flaws in her memory?

    1. She takes notes on important things.
    2. She relies on her intuition alone.
    3. She avoids recalling past events.
    4. She memorizes everything without aids.

    Explanation: She acknowledges memory's limitations by taking notes and verifying information. The other options do not address healthy compensatory strategies.