In a previous blog, I described the evolution of our main characteristics, an upright stance and a big clever brain. And how these two vital aspects of the human animal are neglected in modern living. Concurring with the well-used theme of: If you don’t use it, you lose it, we need to pay more attention to the health of our heads and legs. Who needs flabby brains and wobbly legs?

Brains thrive on challenges, on learning, on new ways of thinking. The evidence shows that brains are ‘plastic’ – they can change according to need, and that we can learn at any age. Challenge means more than tackling crossword puzzles or games; these use well-trodden neural pathways. We have to challenge our ways of thinking and our ways of interacting with other people; taking different routes and avoiding long-established habits and routines. We need to regularly tackle new skills, other languages, different hobbies. The human brain evolved to think, reason, research and create; not passively soak up the output of the media.

And what about those legs? What are you doing to keep them strong and supple? They are like the trunk of a tree, essential support to the branches and leaves, strong enough to maintain firm contact with the ground, and to resist the strongest gales. Can you walk long distances, easily climb steps and hills, stand without support and resist being knocked over in a crowd? If your legs are weak, you are vulnerable. Furthermore, your leg muscles are largely responsible for pumping blood back up to the heart (because of our upright stance!). Poor circulation down there means more strain on your heart (and less blood going to the brain). It’s time to get off your chair, away from your desk or table and walk or cycle. Become fully what you have evolved to be.