Scientists are discovering that when we stop learning, our brains start to stagnate—the electrical connectors in our brains don’t connect so well any more.

But we can reverse the trend. In studies concerning memory retention in retired elders suffering from “normal” memory loss, researchers have discovered that when classes are introduced into the retired residents’ schedules, their memories actually begin to improve. It seems that even our minds need exercise if we don’t want them faded by entropy.

You need to watch your mental intake as much as you watch your food intake. Garbage in, garbage out. If you are surrounded by negative and complaining people, you will have trouble keeping positive and constructive thoughts. If you insist on noticing how helpless you are, you will always feel helplessness. And if you constantly consume nonsense, your mind will stay cluttered with nonsense.

On the other hand, if you surround yourself with positive people, you will generally maintain positive thoughts. If you spend your time listening to people who are improving their lives, you will begin to look for ways to improve your life. If you read great literature, or watch inspiring television, you will actually sense your mind expanding. After all, if you want your mind to develop great thoughts, you must feed it the thoughts of great minds.

You can feed your mind conversation, challenge, investigation, strategy, change, recreation, literature, philosophy, debate, silence, reflection, laugher, education, journaling and play. The list goes on and on.

When you don't feed your mind a well-balanced diet, your mind stops growing and starts stagnating, so feed your mind nutritious thoughts daily.