Many times we desire a more focused brain and improved cognition to be able to get things done in a shorter amount of time or come up with unique solutions to problems that one might not be able to do otherwise. However, a healthy brain is a solution to your problems which can seamlessly improve your overall performance.
Unfortunately, there is no mantra to improve your brain functionality overnight rather one can make small yet significant changes that improve your mental and physical health in the long run. Adopting a healthier lifestyle is not tough provided that you only have to be willing to bring small yet significant changes to your daily routine.
Keeping this in mind, let’s have a look at some of the major brain-health modifiers.
- Do not smoke
Smoking is not just any old, casual bad addiction. It is, in fact, an obsessive disease that can dismantle your life completely. According to the 2010 longitudinal study published by One Archives of Internal Medicine, people who smoked more than two packs of cigarette in a day had twice the chances of developing dementia in the future. Meanwhile, those who smoked between half and one pack a day were at a 44 percent risk of developing the disease.
Smoking, in all forms be it passive or active has adverse effects on your overall well-being. Thus, the first step to a healthier brain is cutting down on your everyday nicotine intake.
- Building muscular strength
Several researches conducted on mental health suggest that improving your muscular strength can lead to a healthy functioning brain. Regular exercise stimulates the tiny blood vessels to bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain responsible for overall mental cognition. It also spurs the growth of new brain cells and improves the connection between them; making the brain more active, efficient and adaptive in functioning.
- Diet matters
A regular, healthy diet does not only positively affects your body but improves your immunity Here are a few ways through which you can monitor and improve your diet.
Monitor your calorie intake: An excessive calorie intake can make you prone to diseases such as cardiac issues, obesity, diabetes, etc. Monitor your calories and reduce your carbohydrate intake.
Eat healthy: Avoid artificial sugars and saturated fat from animal sources and processed food. Resort to healthier alternates for a active mind.
Remember your B vitamins: Vitamin B6, folic acid and B12 are major brain boosters. According to research, they can help lower an increased risk of future dementia. Besides over-the-counter prescribed supplements, grains, cereal and other leafy green vegetables are good sources of B vitamins.
Opt for herbal food alternatives: Herbal teas contain a large amount of important nutrients and antioxidants responsible for healthy brain activity.
- Maintain healthy relationships
While solitude is a basic human necessity, frequent loneliness can result in psychological and cognitive ailments. Thus, the key to a healthy brain and stress-free life is to build a strong emotional connection with your loved ones.
- Revitalize your soul: meditate
Not only does meditation reduce stress levels but it can reduce age-related mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Take time out for yourself every day to practice meditation; even if it’s just 15 minutes. The activity can potentially extend your cognitive functionality and reduce your overall stress levels.
- Music: the healing instrument
There are several popular beliefs about brain activity and music. A powerful, instrumental beat can trigger human emotions. But what if I told you it might also influence your mental cognition. Surprised? According to Brain Test, music has the therapeutic ability to transport dementia patients into a parallel, better universe. Moreover, classical music, in particular, is a genre linked with improving the brain’s ability to focus and retain information.
- Your emotions are important
Your emotional wellbeing is essential for a healthier, happier life. People with mood disorders such as depression tend to perform poorly in worldly activities. The first step to healthy and happier you is self-satisfaction. Start putting yourself above everything else and believe in your abilities. Become a self-health advocate and figure out where you stand. Taking control of your emotions will eventually empower you to take control of your life.
Try making these simple yet effective changes in your lifestyle to improve your cognitive health. Experiment with the methods mentioned in this article and see what works the best for you and your brain. Improving your cognition will take time but try hard until you don’t reach your innate goal.
AUTHOR BIO
Kamil Riaz is a Writer and Digital Marketer. He has completed his masters in Administrative Science from the University of Karachi. As a writer, he wrote numerous articles on management, technology and health. Currently, he is writing for brainblog.