The brain is at the heart of the central nervous system and every activity that we perform or experience gets the signals from the brain. It receives input from the sensory organs and sends output to the muscles. It contains around 90 billion nerve cells and billions of nerve fibers! Incorporate the following in your daily life to lead a fuller life.
Do not skip breakfast at any cost. After literally fasting through the night, you need the nutrients to keep your body and mind working well throughout the day. Studies show that students who have breakfast perform better than those who don’t. Eating breakfast may also contribute to improved short-term memory and attention. Ensure that you have a well balanced but not too high calorie breakfast which supposedly impairs concentration.
Add fish to your diet as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are critical for brain health. A diet with higher levels of these healthy fatty acids have been linked to lower dementia and stroke risks as well as slower mental aging.
Consume foods rich in Vitamin E; studies link it to less cognitive decline. Nuts and seeds, spinach, and broccoli are some good sources. One ounce of roasted sunflower seeds contains 30% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin E.
Have avocados as the monounsaturated fat that it has enhances blood flow which is not just good for the heart but also the brain.
Blueberries have amongst the highest antioxidant properties. Research in animals have shown that blueberries may help protect the brain from the damage caused by free radicals and also reduce the effects of age related mental disorders. Studies also show that diets rich in blueberries improved both the learning and muscle function of aging rats.
Keep the learning bug alive at every age; learn new things - anything from words to a language or a new skill. Challenge your brain with mental exercises which are believed to stimulate communication between brain cells. Exercise your brain by playing games and solving puzzles, crosswords, Rubik’s cube or Sudoku. Take up gardening, it is a fun way of keeping the brain active.
Try to avoid the calculator and instead, do mathematical calculations in your head.
Eat a balanced diet.
Doing creative things like painting, doodling sketching etc. improve brain fitness and enhance overall well-being.
Meditate and relax. In a study in University of Wisconsin, it was seen that after eight weeks of training in meditation, there was increased electrical activity in regions of the left frontal lobe, an area which is more active in optimistic people.
Pursue a hobby. Learn a musical instrument or even dance or any art form. It not only relaxes you but exercises different parts of the brain.
Use both sides of your brain every single day and do activities to stimulate both parts. The left part of the brain is more to do with logic and reasoning, analysis and calculation whereas the right side of the brain is more to do with creativity and imagination.
Sleep well. Sleep improves memory and learning. Haven’t we heard of “sleeping over a problem”? In a recent study it was found that the brain processes information and complex stimuli during sleep and uses the information while awake! Also while you are asleep, your body throws toxins out of your brain.
Engage in physical exercise to help sharpen thinking.
Studies have shown that moderate amounts of red wine may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
That we need to keep our brain healthy and active is a no-brainer. Keep your brain healthy; the brain will keep you alive!
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