Key lifestyle habits that can help keep your brain healthy
Our brain and body and the world around us have complex relationships, and what we do, or don’t do, can have a significant impact on our health and well-being.Biology and physiology determine our brain health. Factors like genes, hormones, immunity, nutrition and exercise make a difference, as well as social, psychological and environmental factors. Our relationships, stress levels, mindset and life events also shape our brain health.“”
A healthy brain doesn’t overlook or underappreciate quality sleep and “wakeful rest.”Sleep is the number one, fundamental bedrock of good health. A good night sleep every night should be a priority, not a luxury.“Without good sleep, we see increased anxiety and stress. Sleep is restorative, helping you be more mentally energetic and productive,” advises Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D., founder and chief director of Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas and author of Make Your Brain Smarter.Apart from getting a good and quality night sleep, make time for “wakeful rest”—it pays to plan breaks in between your busy schedule. Plan downtime on your calendar.After a busy day, give your brain time to recover—sit back, close your eyes and let your mind wander (spontaneous thought in our wakeful life)—in the knowledge that your brain is busy consolidating information.
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