How's your brain health? Chances are, if you're like most people, you don't give it much thought. But even though your body as a whole is a self-sustaining mechanism, chances are you can get a little more leverage and mental sharpness by paying a bit more attention to brain-healthy habits.
Because think about it – your brain is a precious possession. It's the organ that controls your thoughts, memories, and emotions. It's also responsible for your body's coordination and movement.
In this article, we'll go over the 5 best ways to support brain health.
The mystery of life
The brain and consciousness have long been some of the most puzzling and intriguing areas of scientific research. Despite hundreds of years of study, we still do not fully understand how they work or why they are so complex. Some have even argued that the brain and consciousness are essentially impossible to understand objects due to their complexity.
Yet despite this challenge, scientists continue to explore these areas in order to unlock new secrets about the nature of our minds and how we perceive the world. Rather than viewing the brain and consciousness as insurmountable obstacles, many researchers see them as exciting avenues for discovery.
These scientists recognise that every day we learn more about our brains, whether through studies of animal behavior or advances in brain imaging technology.
And as we gain a better understanding of these core components of ourselves, it is clear that we will be able to make incredible progress in many other areas of science, from medicine to psychology to engineering.
Indeed, the brain remains one of the last great frontiers for human knowledge, waiting for us to conquer it with curiosity and determination.
Rest assured, though, you don't really need to be a scientist and have a lab, in order to do things that are beneficial for your brain.
Here are our top 5 brain-healthy habits.
#1 Brain-nurturing foods
When the task is to keep your brain healthy and well-functioning, there are some specific nutrients that are pivotal.
And well, it is no secret that nutrition plays a crucial role in the body’s overall health, including that of the brain!
The most important nutrients for the brain include:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Calcium
- B-Vitamins
- Vitamins D & E
- Magnesium
Below, you can find the top 10 favorite food products on our list, that are abundant in these essential nutrients:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Broccoli
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries, etc.)
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Olives
- Whole eggs
- Dark chocolate
By including these ingredients in your diet on a regular basis, you can help give your brain what it really needs to stay strong and perform at its best.
So be sure to add plenty of these brain-nurturing foods to your meals starting today!
#2 Braining!
Keeping your brain active is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient brain.
Our brains are constantly working, taking in information and making connections to help us understand the world around us.
However, without adequate stimulation, the neurons in our brains can become sluggish and slow down this crucial activity.
To keep the mind sharp and your brain functioning at its best, it is important to practice activities that help to activate and challenge your neural networks.
This might include anything from puzzle games and crossword puzzles to music lessons or learning a new language.
By constantly engaging your brain and keeping it active, you can enjoy the many benefits of a healthy and capable mind.
So don't underestimate the power of keeping your brain active – with a little braining (brain training), you can live life to the fullest!
#3 The social aspect
Besides good food and mental activity in solitude, it has been suggested that there is a strong link between having a good social life and maintaining a healthy brain.
The concept is simple – interacting with others helps you use (and improve) cognitive function and, thereby, improve mood and keep your mind sharp even as you age.
Furthermore, having an active social life can reduce stress levels, thereby limiting its harmful effects on the brain.
Whether you are outside with friends or trying to make new connections through networking and local meetups, it is clear that having a social life is one of the keys to staying mentally sharp for years to come.
#4 Sleep
Though we may not understand exactly how sleep works, it is an essential component of mental health and well-being.
Whether we are resting after a long day at work or catching up on needed rest during the weekend, sleep is crucial in the context of enabling our brains to function properly.
Not only does it allow us to charge up the brain and clear away neural detritus from the day's activities, but it also seems to be crucial to maintaining our ability to form memories.
Additionally, good quality sleep can improve mood by helping to keep stress levels in check.
Thus, though we cannot fully explain why or how our brains benefit from sleep, it is a crucial factor for maintaining mental health and performance.
So don't skimp on those precious hours of shut-eye – get yourself at least 6!
#5 Exercise
Many people view training primarily as a way to sculpt their bodies and improve their physical fitness.
But what many don't realize is that exercise can also have a profound impact on our brains.
Working out may boost cognitive function, increase memory, and even help prevent certain diseases.
And while any kind of exercise can be beneficial, it seems that high-intensity training like weightlifting may be particularly effective when it comes to improving brain health.
With this in mind, if you want a workout that will give your body and your mind a real boost, head to the gym and get moving!
The benefits of just 2-3 sessions a week may just surprise you.
Final thoughts
So, what can you do to support your brain health? Plenty!
Just make sure that you’re incorporating a variety of activities into your life and giving your brain the chance to work in different ways.
And don’t forget to keep learning – it’s one of the best things you can do for your brain!
Can you think of (no pun intended) anything else you'd add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.
