One of the most interesting books I have read in the past year is “Brain Rules” by John Medina. Dr. Medina is a developmental molecular biologist and research consultant and Director of the Brain Center for Applied Learning Research at Seattle Pacific University, plus he also teaches at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Pretty heady credentials! One might think his writing would be “stuffily scientific” but his book is witty, entertaining, insightful, and informational – a wonderful combination for those of us who seek to understand the Brain and how it works.

Here are Medina’s 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home and School

Rule #1: Exercise boosts brain power

Rule #2: The human brain evolved, too.

Rule #3: Every brain is wired differently.

Rule #4: We don’t pay attention to boring things.

Rule #5: Repeat to remember.

Rule #6: Remember to repeat.

Rule #7: Sleep well, think well.

Rule #8: Stressed brains don’t learn the same way.

Rule #9: Stimulate more of the senses.

Rule #10: Vision trumps all other senses.

Rule # 11: Male and female brains are different.

Rule #12: We are powerful and natural explorers.

Brain Rules was published in 2008 by Pear Press (www.pearpress.com). Learn more about Dr. Medina’s work at www.brainrules.net.