Improving brain health Image licensed by author.
Has your mind been letting you down lately? Maybe you’re in need of a brain boost for your new projects. Whatever your case may be, the brain, just like any other part of our body, needs proper care and pampering to work properly. Trouble concentrating, memory problems and fuzzy thinking can all be signs that your brain is not getting the proper care it needs. Nutrition, lifestyle choices, and daily habits are the main points you need to address to get the best from your brain. Below are tips on what you can do to increase brain productivity and general brain performance:
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Be religious about sleeping patterns
You need your eight hours of sleep for general health as well as good concentration. Sleep serves such a vital role in our lives that it needs to be taken seriously. Extreme sleep deprivation can lead to hallucinations and even death which show how vital sleep is for our survival. During sleep, toxins are cleared out from our nervous system which explains why the mind feels fresh after a good nights sleep. It is also important to establish a routine in your sleeping habits; the brain loves routine. It wants and needs order to function optimally. Set other obligations aside and demand your well deserved sleep.
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Feed your brain
The brain is an organ like any other, so it needs proper nutrition. While eating a well-balanced diet will provide you with all essential nutrients, you can also double nutrient intake with brain enhancement supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal brain functioning. An insufficiency of these fatty acids is proved to contribute to brain degeneration. Magnesium is another essential nutrient essential for optimal neurological health. The reason for cognitive impairments that happens in old age is because with age nutrient absorption becomes impaired. This, in the end, can lead to magnesium deficiency. Other than dietary brain enhancement supplements, herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba are believed to boost brain function and prevent degenerative brain diseases.
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Relax your thoughts
Long-term stress can significantly impair cognitive functioning. Stress can exhaust your nervous system, taking away energy and depleting your body of nutrients. Stress can also cause mental disturbances and lead to depression. If you have trouble concentrating or remembering things, you might be suffering from depression. Loss of focus and memory problems are little-known depression symptoms. Before you blame your memory issues on yourself, first consult a mental health professional to see if you happen to suffer from depression. If you believed you are simply just stressed out, then relaxation techniques will help you get stress under control and ensure your mind is not overloaded.
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Exercise your mind
Even the brain needs a fitness program to stay fit. Sitting in front of the TV or computer after a stressful day might seem like the perfect way to get your mind off of troubles, but in the long run, your brain will become sluggish. Reading engaging literature or doing crossword puzzles will keep your mind active and help create new neuron connections. They can even be quite relaxing. Studies have proved that these type of activities help in having vibrant cognitive abilities. So if you’ve noticed your thoughts becoming a little lazy lately, you might consider taking up some brain exercising.
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Fitness of body and fitness of mind
Your body and mind are not separate parts. Both need to be healthy for their harmonious interaction. Exercising will keep your muscles toned and your blood circulation strong. Poor blood circulation to the brain is the major one culprit of brain fog. Exercising will increase blood flow to the brain and ensure the brain is getting enough oxygen. Lifestyle fitness is an essential part of having a clear mind. Being fit also implies spending a lot of time outdoors to get enough vitamin D and oxygen for optimal health. After all, a healthy mind in a healthy body as the saying goes.
Your brain is your most important organ. If it is not in optimal health, chances are you won’t be feeling well, and the issues will show in your cognitive functioning. To keep your brain healthy, follow the advice given and you’ll get a vibrant mind. Nutritional deficiencies, mental anguish, and a lack of sleep are common culprits of cognitive problems. You need to address all these directly before you demand too much from your brain. Once you get to the bottom of any issues you might be having; you’ll be surprised by the power of your brain.
References:
1. http://www.lifeandexperiences.com/7-simple-effective-tricks-to-increase-your-brain-power/
2. http://www.saycampuslife.com/2016/02/16/7-dos-and-donts-for-a-healthy-brain/
3. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/brain-games-do-they-really/
