We cannot begin to fathom what the brain is capable of. Since it’s the organ that ensures every part of the body functions to its utmost best, the brain is one thing you wouldn’t want to put in harm’s way. You can only look at what blunt force can do to alter the organ’s performance. For one, you may lose the ability to speak or recall memories when it’s subjected to traumatic injury or malnutrition.
It’s important to keep your brain in working condition just as much as you want to attain a toned body or a healthy cardiovascular system. When you overlook brain health, you’re also ignoring your body’s active and passive functions. Here’s a quick guide to help keep your brain active and protect it from anything that might get in the way of its awesome power:
1. Get the right nutrition
The first thing you will need to understand is that what you eat also affects your brain’s overall condition. A balanced diet may contain the right amount of protein and carbohydrates, but it shouldn’t lack those nutrients that improve cognitive functions and promote neurogenesis. Your diet should include essential nutrients, the most crucial being B Vitamins which help improve brain and nerve function. It can also help normalize amino acid levels and prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
Another important nutrient you should consume is omega-3. Not only does it lead to a healthier heart, but it’s also an antioxidant that optimizes neural transmission. This helps stabilize your mood and increase your ability to absorb and recall information. It’s no wonder that elders with memory problems are prescribed omega-3 supplements, but you can also take in the nutrient through other rich sources such as fish oil and legumes.
2. Protect yourself from concussions
Aside from supplying your brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly, you need to protect it from anything that may cause traumatic injuries. From road accidents to workplace mishaps, any incident can be fatal when your skull gets the brunt of the impact. While some may lead to instant death, others could result in upending the quality of your life. Long-term brain injuries hamper your ability to communicate and immobilize your body.
Preventing head injuries is basic as it comes because it involves wearing headgear. However, there are also other situations you won’t be prepared for that will lead to severe brain injury. Slip-and-fall situations as well as intentional hits to the head could also lead to concussions and more serious conditions. If that’s the case, you only need to seek medical attention immediately and use your right to be compensated for the injury you sustained. If it happened in New Jersey, you can reach out to an Englewood injury attorney who handles traumatic brain injuries.
3. Keep your mind active
Just like the rest of your body, your brain also needs to undergo a workout regimen focusing on stimulating your mental faculties. Along with physical protection and consuming meals that promote brain health, you should also take part in activities that keep your neurons engaged, generate new cells, and improve focus, creativity, and critical thinking.
Any activity that relies largely on the brain is a good mental exercise. Playing soccer, for instance, stimulates your mind just as much as it keeps your muscles and bones in good condition. Less physically demanding activities such as gardening and painting are great for improving neuron growth, along with reading and writing a journal. Social interactions are also mentally stimulating, so find opportunities to go beyond small talk with friends or family members.
4. Deal with stress the right way
Another thing that amplifies brain degradation is prolonged exposure to stress. Working long hours in a highly demanding job can take a toll on neurotransmitters which are forced to go on overdrive. This is particularly true when you take part in all-nighters and get less than the average amount of sleep needed by your brain. Aside from insomnia, stress can also contribute to a higher risk of depression and dementia which may worsen as you age.
For this reason, it’s wise never to allow yourself to work past what you’re capable of accomplishing. Your brain can only do so much within a single workday, so it’s important to manage your time well and leave space for rest. It’s also important to determine the symptoms of burnout earlier on. Allowing yourself to continue working despite these red flags can only damage your brain. Give yourself a well-deserved break when you feel you already have too much on your plate.
5. Stay physically active
Your brain can benefit just as much from exercise. A workout regimen can do more than uplift your mood by producing “feel-good” hormones. In this article from Harvard Medical School, certain exercises can improve certain regions in the brain, leading to enhanced thinking skills and other cognitive functions. The mood-lifting effects of exercise can also restrict the effects of stress and spare the brain from deterioration.
It’s only a matter of choosing an exercise regimen that’s designed to improve brain health. Aerobic exercises are ideal for this, but you can also include tai chi and yoga in your daily routine. These activities help enhance cognitive processes due to their focus on learning and mastering precise movements.
Endnote
Your brain is a powerhouse, so don’t let it go to waste. Use these tips and live a life that’s laser-focused on your goals.
