Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have discovered that learning occurs better while the mind is in a relaxed state. While scientists already knew that relaxed minds are better at receiving information, this study indicates that relaxation neurons work together to strengthen the memories that are created.
While the study will likely have little to no impact on the cram-centric study habits of many university students, it may have implications for the learning disabled if scientists are someday able to manipulate and optimize the state of the mind when learning is happening. Unfortunately, the scope of the study was limited; it did not touch upon on whether the methods some use to do so entirely, or merely just partially, counter the potential learning benefits of relaxing their minds. No doubt the topic will need to be addressed if researchers in California continue to lead the way in this area.
Growing a beard is supposed to help, too.
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