To live a long and healthy life, one must maintain optimal brain health. Many theories exist on what brain health is and how to attain it, but there are some simple strategies for maintaining mental clarity and well-being that don’t rely on theories. These are seven practices that you can adopt to maintain the health of your brain.
1. STAY WELL RESTED
Your entire body needs rest, including your brain. Getting enough sleep is crucial for the entire body, regardless of whether you’re a morning person or a night owl. While your other organs slow down during sleep and your body goes into “rest mode,” your brain does not shut off. While you sleep, you dream, you heal, and you prepare. Adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep a night to gain the full benefits of sleep so that they can perform their best each day.Did you know that sleep issues can be addressed in therapy? To locate a therapist in your region, conduct a search and then refine your results based on Common Specialty.
2.STAY ACTIVE
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves being active. Staying active helps your brain produce the hormones it needs to fuel the rest of your body. Your body produces hormones that support mental wellness and elevate your mood when you exercise. Although regular exercise is not necessary to maintain optimal brain function, many experts advise including exercise into your daily routine to improve blood flow and maintain your health.
3.PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY
If something is wrong with the health of your brain, your body will alert you. This could include symptoms of vitamin deficiency. For instance, insufficient vitamin D levels may be the cause of your wintertime fatigue and fogginess. Talking to your doctor about these symptoms can help you get what you need to achieve a healthy mind and body.
4.STAY HYDRATED
Our bodies need water to function. Our minds are not functioning at their best when we are dehydrated. According to a 2018 study from Georgia Tech, cognitive functioning decreases with dehydration, with noticeable effects within as little as two hours. Being intentional about your water consumption will promote brain health and support the rest of your body, too.
5.FIND BALANCE
The concept of work-life balance is well-known to everyone. Still, sometimes we forget that healthy balance in our lives could look very different depending on our circumstances. You may thrive by determining what balance means to you at this moment and by being inquisitive and flexible about future adjustments that may be necessary. Be mindful of all the aspects of your life that need to be in balance (it’s not all about work and home – rest, friends, self-care, a hobby, spirituality, the outside world can also contribute to the whole picture). By appropriately devoting time and attention to what you value, you can relieve stress and allow your brain to engage with the world in a multitude of ways.
6.STIMULATE YOUR BRAIN
Like the rest of your body, your brain needs to be exercised. Brain workouts include reading, puzzles, brain training, critical thinking, learning new things, hobbies, memory, and brain games.
7.CARE FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Maintaining the health of our minds depends on our mental state. You should speak with a mental health professional if you have signs of anxiety or sadness or if you feel like your mind is racing. A mental health specialist can assist you in acquiring the knowledge and techniques necessary to attain mental wellness.
