Nurturing Brain Health with Positive Habits

The health of our brain is intricately tied to the habits we nurture. According to the National Institute of Aging, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may all contribute to overall health and well-being as we age.?

Those lifestyle factors are the ones we can do something about – right now!

What is brain health?

Overall brain health refers to a person’s ability to process information in different ways. Here’s a quick primer (and be sure to seek out additional information from your doctor if you have concerns about any of these areas).

Cognitive health: how well you learn and retain information in your short-term and long-term memory

Motor function: how well your brain communicates with your body to control how you move

Emotional function: how well your brain responds to and processes emotions

Tactile function: how well your brain feels and responds to sensory input

Sensory function: how well your brain processes information from your senses

In modern society, we are exposed to a number of habits and ways of life that could be detrimental to our long-term brain health. These habits might seem difficult to address in one big, sweeping change, so as always, I encourage you to take it one baby step at a time!

In our full newsletter, I share more empowering alternatives to revitalize your mind. (Subscribe to Permission to Start Over here!)

1. Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary routine can lead to stagnation in our brain's functioning. Our brain needs movement to improve our energy, balance, mood, and strength, and regular exercise prevents or delays heart disease, diabetes, and other disorders. To combat this, incorporate regular physical activity into your daily schedule. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking, cycling, or dancing each day can enhance brain function and boost mood.

2. Poor Nutrition

Feeding your brain with junk food is convenient, but it’s a recipe for low energy and mood. Instead, whenever possible, opt for a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Incorporate fish oils, leafy greens, and nuts to ensure your brain gets the right fuels for optimal performance.

3. Poor Sleep

Operating on minimal sleep affects memory and mood, not to mention our overall energy levels and our body’s ability to process stressful events or situations. Make sleep a priority by creating a restful environment and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. That might mean putting your phone to charge in another room, or trying out a new pre-bedtime hobby or routine.

4. Unresolved Stress

Chronic stress impairs cognitive capacity. We talk a lot about stress reduction at Permission to Start Over; adding just one or two relaxation or support techniques may be enough to put stress at bay in the short term.?

5. Lack of Intellectual Engagement

Without mental stimulation, our cognitive skills can dwindle. Our brains literally crave learning new things! Engage your mind consistently through puzzles, memory games, or learning new skills to promote neurological growth. Find a new creative outlet to break barriers and expand your thinking!

Transforming these negative habits into positive ones not only nurtures cognitive health, but they are sure to enrich your quality of life. Remember, it’s never too late to start making empowering changes!

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Ready to shake things up and find work and habits that truly vibe with your values? Dive into the exciting content we’ve got brewing at Permission to Start Over! Subscribe here: https://permissiontostartover.com/subscribe.

In your corner,

Emily