Our brain truly is a marvel, arguably nature's most intricate creation. Consider its ceaseless activity, every moment from birth, managing a universe of processes. While biological processes like apoptosis (programmed cell death) are natural and essential for cellular health, not a 'bug' to be fixed, our focus here is on the psychosocial 'programs' that can sometimes lead us to feel prematurely 'switched off' or diminished. Today, we delve into how to genuinely 'reboot' our minds for sustained, vibrant function. When I speak of a 'reboot,' I'm not suggesting a mere disk cleanup or memory wipe to solve tasks more easily.

Rest assured, your brain isn't grappling with a memory shortage. Scientists have long established that the human brain can accommodate over a dozen petabytes of information – a volume comparable to the entirety of data on the internet. Furthermore, it's crucial never to discard the wealth of your accumulated experience. All the knowledge, skills, emotions, and memories gathered by your brain over your lifetime forge the unique individual you are today. This 'reboot' shouldn't involve abandoning your identity; our aim isn't to reduce you to a blank slate. 

The Irreplaceable Value of Your Inner World

Your experience, encompassing all its errors and setbacks, is the most precious asset your consciousness safeguards. Imagine it like an old apartment where, after years, you decide to remove the dated, mismatched fixtures from a bygone era. You do this not to leave it bare, but to reveal its beautiful high ceilings and original character, now ready to be enhanced with your refined taste and appreciation for quality. Don't be quick to discard the 'antiques' left by previous experiences, even if they initially seem without value. If a particular memory or trait found its way into your 'old apartment,' it likely held significance once, shaping who you are.

This touches upon the concept of 'set' or 'Ustanovka,' as explored by the notable Georgian psychologist and philosopher Dmitry Uznadze. He observed that individuals often imbue objects or places with the power to influence them. If you firmly believe a rabbit's foot in your pocket brings good fortune, it often will, in your perception. Similarly, so-called 'places of power' derive much of their perceived special energy from collective belief. While nature itself may not possess a unique mystical energy in those specific spots, your belief, and that of those around you, imbues them with significance. Consequently, during stressful times, you might yearn for a pilgrimage to these special locales, seeking renewal.

Harmonizing Your Mind: Gentle Reboots for Lasting Clarity

System renewal is a profound and significant undertaking. We sometimes hesitate even to update the 'software' of our own life stories, represented by countless photos and messages penned in fleeting emotional states. But fear not; we're considering less drastic approaches. Returning to our computer analogy, recall how experts consistently recommend periodic disk defragmentation. Translated into human terms, this equates to harmonizing the left and right hemispheres of our brain. No radical deletions are necessary.

For regular mental 'housekeeping,' especially when your mind feels cluttered with trivial or unhelpful thoughts, turning to the arts is exceptionally effective. Even sipping coffee from a beautifully crafted and painted mug can, amidst a chaotic day, help restore order to your brain. Observing nature—the dance of flames, the flow of water—is also a potent method. However, attending a theatrical performance or a quality opera can have an even more profound impact. I encourage you to explore your city's cultural offerings: visit museums, attend plays, enjoy musical concerts, and browse bookstores for enriching literature. These are indispensable, 'prescription-free' remedies that nurture our consciousness more effectively than any medication.

When you listen to a symphony or contemplate a painting, you often enter a unique meditative state known as the brain's 'default mode network.' In this state, the usual mental chatter subsides, and your conscious mind harmonizes with your subconscious. You begin to truly hear yourself: your authentic goals, desires, and interests. Your dreams and aspirations surface, rising above the often societally imposed duties and expectations. You connect with your own nascent ideas and passions, the ones that can genuinely ignite your spirit. Moreover, this default mode state has a potent therapeutic effect. A regular visit to a place of art or nature, for instance, should become a consistent habit, akin to spiritual hygiene—as essential as brushing your teeth is for a healthy smile. Neglect this, and just as with dental health, you might eventually need specialized help, whether from a dentist for your teeth or a psychologist for your soul.

When Deeper Resets Are Contemplated: "Reprogramming"

Some psychotherapeutic approaches, which some describe as a kind of 'reprogramming of unconscious codes,' aim to reset detrimental patterns, akin to restoring a computer to factory settings. This is a more intensive form of psychotherapy. Sometimes, if we revisit our computer metaphor, if too many 'viruses' (harmful habits, persistent anxiety, neurotic feelings, ingrained negative behavioral patterns) have accumulated, this might seem like the only path forward for the psyche. There's a growing understanding that if we can address these accumulated 'viruses'—re-evaluate goals, reframe the past—we might significantly enhance a person's quality of life. These are essentially psychotherapeutic upgrades. Some practitioners may even use tools like hypnosis in such processes, where an individual might undergo intensive sessions to emerge with a "reprogrammed" outlook.

The idea of prolonging an active, fulfilling life through such psychological practices is compelling. While every living cell undergoes apoptosis, a genetically programmed process of self-liquidation essential for organismal health, there's another concept some are exploring: a psychosocial 'program' of self-diminishment, which one might term 'anthropo-thos.' This isn't strictly genetic; rather, it's a psychosocial script that can accelerate aging, driven by psychological and social factors. This 'program' is thought by some to subtly begin around the age of 28, though its progression varies greatly. If we don't learn to manage stress effectively and 'reboot' our minds timely, we may inadvertently shorten our vibrant years.

The current efforts to combat ageism are commendable. Reducing societal pressure related to the 'ticking clock' has a globally positive impact on mitigating this 'anthropo-thos.' Even new trends celebrating the beauty and charm of women over 60, challenging outdated notions of a 'sell-by date' that society once imposed, are beneficial. If we cease to equate old age with being relegated to life's sidelines, existence becomes far more serene. However, as long as societal dictates heavily influence your thinking on this matter, the fundamental situation remains challenging. This perceived limitation is a 'bug' in our collective mindset that needs correcting.

There are typically three kinds of situations where a profound 'reprogramming' might be considered by an individual:

1. When appointed to a high-stakes position without a clear personal methodology for navigating its challenges. This is often when you might delve into ancestral 'programs' and discover family-instilled limitations on your development. If you recall your parents in their fifties frequently expressing a desire for retirement, you might unconsciously adopt a similar trajectory, decelerating your career and personal growth, and finding yourself preoccupied with trivial decisions rather than ambition. Or, if you've always been in a supporting role and are suddenly made a leader, you might struggle with decision-making. In such cases, 'rebooting' these ingrained programs could be beneficial.
2. When planning to enter a significant new relationship or after experiencing serious personal life upheavals. The goal is to rebuild and embark on a new chapter, avoiding previously established, potentially unsuccessful patterns. Often, after a relationship ends, you might feel you failed, fixating on mistakes. The issue frequently isn't a personal failing in looks or behavior, but rather internal restrictors that a 'reboot' could help release.
3. Perhaps the most critical scenario: when an individual suddenly feels comprehensively old or unwell—not just in their career or personal life, but across the board, particularly concerning health. 'Reprogramming' unconscious attitudes and establishing correctly motivated goals can be seen as a form of biohacking. At many biohacking conferences, much is said about telomeres, antioxidants, vitamins, tryptophan, and exercise.

The Psyche: Your Primary Lever for a Long and Active Life

My perspective is that the duration of an active life hinges primarily on the psyche: its capacity to perceive the world with positivity, to discern clear goals amidst background noise, and to pursue them with vigor. A goal is essentially an unsolved problem. To tackle it, a developed mind activates noradrenaline and stress-response mechanisms, which, in constructive ways, can significantly bolster the immune system. Start with manageable 'stresses'—like engaging in sports or pursuing passions. Initiate any activity that demands effort and overcoming, rather than mere passive suffering or internal rumination.

Conversely, inaction when facing problems can trigger an excess of not only cortisol but also adrenaline, potentially leading to cardiac issues, weight gain, diabetes, and a compromised immune system. There's a notion that running ten kilometers can help 'reboot' in a tough situation. This, however, might be a misdirection if not properly contextualized: sport is excellent as training, an artificial, controlled stressor. In a genuinely challenging situation, true mobilization is key: devise a plan, disregard irrelevant distractions, and tackle the issue step-by-step, moving consistently towards its resolution. Remember, you cannot simply run 'from' something; you must actively move 'towards' something.

It is vital to connect with and embody the traits of individuals who exhibit high levels of drive and pursue their goals with consistent action. These individuals often live remarkably long and healthy lives. This is a crucial insight to retain.

References

• Buckner, R. L., Andrews-Hanna, J. R., & Schacter, D. L. (2008). The Brain's Default Network: Anatomy, Function, and Relevance to Disease. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1124(1), 1-38.

  This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the brain's default mode network, detailing its anatomical structure and functional significance. It explores how this network is active during inward-focused thought, such as self-reflection, remembering the past, and envisioning the future, aligning with the article's discussion of achieving a harmonized state of consciousness where one can hear their inner self. Pages 1-5 offer a good introduction to its discovery and core functions.

• Cohen, R., Bavishi, C., & Rozanski, A. (2016). Purpose in life and its association with health outcomes: A meta-analysis. Psychosomatic Medicine, 78(2), 122–135.

  This meta-analysis examines the relationship between having a purpose in life and various health outcomes, including longevity. It quantitatively demonstrates that a stronger sense of purpose is associated with reduced mortality and cardiovascular risk, supporting the article's emphasis on the importance of goals and meaning for a long and active life. The abstract and discussion sections are particularly useful for a summary of the findings.