Use It or Lose It
Often when we hear this phrase we think in terms of how it applies to our bodies. “Use it or lose it” has wide ranging implications which extend far beyond our physical bodies. It actually appears to be a physical law. Our brains and bodies operate on an efficiency principle. Neural pathways that are regularly activated become stronger and more efficient, while unused connections weaken and eventually disappear. Similarly, muscles that aren't regularly challenged begin to atrophy, losing both strength and mass.
This biological reality is both a warning and an opportunity: what we consistently practice, we strengthen; what we neglect, we lose.
Muscle: Bed rest studies show that muscle disappears incredibly quickly when you’re not using it.
Bone: Bone is a metabolic tissue—living, growing, adapting. If it is never stressed, if it is never subjected to compression, it will wither and grow fragile and crumble.
Brain: Research demonstrates conclusively that our brain function is improved by doing things which challenge our brains such as learning new things and new skills. Learning a new language or learning to play a musical instrument have been shown to have a protective effect against cognitive decline.
Cars: They'll fall into disrepair if they aren’t driven. Driving a car is better than not driving it at all. Putting miles on it is better than letting it sit.
Airplanes: Airplanes deteriorate pretty quickly if they’re not flown frequently
Relationships: If you don't cultivate a relationship—if you never use it by talking to the other party, calling them, asking their opinion about things, or asking for favors (and vice versa)—the relationship dies. You lose it.
It appears that machines as well as living things are subject to the principle of use it or lose it. What can we do to take advantage of this principle in our daily lives?
Move as much as possible. Even just walking for 15-30 minutes daily has been shown to be beneficial to our health. Read my article on “Exercise and Aging”
Resistance training at least twice a week helps to maintain muscle mass and bone density. This is especially important as we age.
Challenge your brain daily. Do puzzles, read, learn a musical instrument or a new language. These are just a few of the things we can do to maintain cognitive function. Again very important as we age. See my article on “improving your Brain Health”
Cultivate nurturing and supportive relationships. Choose your friends wisely. Don’t spend time with people who are negative or who drain your energy. For more information read my blog “Friends: Creating Your Inner Circle”
The "use it or lose it" principle isn't just about preventing loss—it's about embracing the human capacity for growth and adaptation throughout life. By consciously applying this principle, you transform biological reality into a powerful tool for ongoing development and fulfillment. You can also apply this principle to machinery you own like cars, tools etc. can you think of any other places you can apply this principle in your life? Let me know!
