How would you react knowing that a 20-second hug a day takes your stress level down? Knowing how the brain works will help us understand better how to care for our brain. “Brain health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realize their full potential over their life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders. Different aspects related to our physical health, healthy environments, safe spaces and security, life-long learning and social connections, and access to quality services influence how our brains develop, adapt and respond to change, stress and adversity. Optimizing brain health by addressing these determinants not only improves mental and physical health but also creates positive social and economic impacts that contribute to greater well-being and help to advance society” WHO.
Cheat Codes To Boost Brain Health
Crossword Puzzles: The next time you see a puzzle game, do not just take a glance but delve in and give your brain a treat. “A study found that doing crossword puzzles could reduce the onset of dementia by two and a half years. This suggests that mentally stimulating activities may help delay the onset of symptoms, but on their own, they cannot prevent dementia. Puzzles are intended to exercise your brain. Crossword puzzles, riddles, word searches and logic problems can all activate different parts of your brain, helping you to hone your critical and analytical thinking skills” Progress lifeline. Brain-stimulating activities give your brain reinforcement, restrategizing and regrouping functions. Imagine trying some deep tongue twisters with some old folks, and having to dissect the deep proverbs they use.
Exercise: Again the value of exercising shows its unique benefit to our brain in so many ways. “But exercise has brain benefits too. Many studies have suggested that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory are larger in volume in people who exercise than in people who don’t. One finding is that engaging in a program of regular exercise of moderate intensity over six months or a year is associated with an increase in the volume of selected brain regions. Exercise can also boost memory and thinking indirectly by improving mood and sleep, and by reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas frequently cause or contribute to cognitive impairment” Harvard Health Publishing. When next you take a walk, run, swim or dance have it registered that you did something to improve your brain.
Brainpower Foods: Just as we have foods that repair worn tissues. Some foods help improve our brainpower.
“Green, leafy vegetables. Research suggests these plant-based foods may help slow cognitive decline.
Fatty fish. Fatty fish are abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats that have been linked to lower blood levels of beta-amyloid—the protein that forms damaging clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Berries. Flavonoids, the natural plant pigments that give berries their brilliant hues, also help improve memory, research shows. A study done by researchers at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that women who consumed two or more servings of strawberries and blueberries each week delayed memory decline by up to two-and-a-half years” cupped from Havard Health Publishing.
Social Connections: According to Countryside Neurology, strong social connections give emotional anchors during challenging times, which impacts brain health. Supportive relationships can reduce the effects of stress by reducing the release of stress hormones and promoting a sense of security and comfort. This, in turn, contributes to improved mental well-being and a healthier brain. Next time you go for a hug, make it 20 seconds and watch all the stress fall off.
Optimizing brain health is essential for living a fulfilling and productive life. By engaging in mentally stimulating activities, exercising regularly, eating brain-boosting foods, and fostering meaningful social connections, you can strengthen your brain and improve its performance. Small, simple actions like solving puzzles, staying active, and giving a 20-second hug can have lasting positive effects on your cognitive well-being. Start today, and watch your brain thrive.
