The brain controls everything from stretching your toes in the morning to the deep breath you take during the long work day to digesting your food at night. However, it also controls how we feel and perceives the world around us.
Think about it: every mind sees the world differently depending on the chemicals pumping through it and the life it has experienced. I know that my brain, having survived the war trauma and pushed to the limit in my athletic career, could look and feel completely different from the person walking next to me on the street.
That’s why having a healthy brain is imperative for a healthy life physically, mentally, and emotionally for years to come. There are many things that we can do to make sure our brains. We wanted to highlight three tactics, so you can start improving your brain game today and kick-start your journey towards better mental health.
Start Moving
Getting up and moving your body is a fantastic way to improve your brain and mental health. Physically, moving around increases oxygen flow to the brain and can encourage the growth of new nerve connections. Exercising can also release endorphins and other chemicals in the brain that will help improve your mood.
You don’t have to run around the block or work out at the gym. Sign up for a fitness class if you need help getting yourself up and moving. Try a dance class or join a biking group. Find out what pilates is. Do whatever you have to do to get moving.
Eat Right
We don’t always think about how much the food we eat affects our brains, but some foods can vastly improve our mental health. If you’ve noticed a dip in your mental health or your brain’s function, such as brain fog, try filling your diet with more omega-3-rich foods: nuts, fish, and unsaturated oils such as olive oil. Also, increase your fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed junk food.
Want to go the extra mile? Limit or eliminate your alcohol. Alcohol is not only a depressant but can also be linked to a type of brain damage that causes dementia.
Stress Management
Everyday life can already be stressful, and life has been even more so since the pandemic. Studies have shown that 8 out of 10 adults have experienced increased stress due to the coronavirus pandemic. Chronic stress can cause your muscles to be constantly tight, leading to increased migraines, lower back pain, shoulder and neck pain, stomach issues, respiratory issues, issues in your nervous system, and mental health issues.
There are ways to deal with stress healthily. You can turn to your support system, friends, and family. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and exercise.
Your brain is an essential part of your body, and it can perceive and translate the world for you while still keeping you alive. So, be sure to take care of it so it can keep taking care of you.
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