The second week of March is Brain Awareness Week. This is a perfect time to explore ways to keep your noggin working and healthy. Below are easy, simple ways to keep your Brain in good shape.
A healthy diet Leads to a healthy mind
There are many reasons to keep a healthy lifestyle and feed your body with foods that make you feel and perform your best. Diets that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol and higher in OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids have been shown to promote Brain health and protect Brain cells. Taking a Fish Oil supplement with DHA or eating fatty fish such as Wild Salmon (not farmed!) can help improve Brain development at any age. DHA, a type of Omega-3, may also help prevent certain neurological disorders. Vitamin E and Lutein can also help brain health. Incorporate Leafy Greens such as Spinach, Collard Greens, Watercress & Kale into your lunch or dinners.
Keep your brain stimulated
At any age, Brain exercises are a great thing to get into the habit of. Keeping your brain stimulated can help retain your Memory as you get older as well as your capability to learn new skills. The Brain is never done learning. Exercises like Reading, learning a new Language, Crosswords, number problems and games like Sudoku can help keep your Brain stay active and working. If you find yourself experiencing chronic stress, practice daily Meditation for as little as five minutes a day to help reduce Inflammation and support Immune health, which are both controlled by the same area of the Brain.
Socialize
Keeping in touch with friends and family and continuously working on building supportive relationships helps your Emotional state as well as your physical health. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, understand you and keep a positive tone. Join organizations or clubs you are interested in and make new connections. Attend Religious services and gatherings regularly. Feeling connected to others is always important for your mental wellbeing.
Quit the bad habits
If you smoke, now is never a better time to quit. Consuming an excess in substances such as Alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs can lower Cognitive processes and decrease overall functioning and health.
Acupuncture
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Spleen, Kidney and Heart Organ Systems all impact Mental capacity and Brain activity. These organs influence Memory, Concentration and Recall. When one of these organs is experiencing deficiency or an imbalance, our Brain can not function to its fullest. Acupuncture on a regular basis addresses these Organ Systems with specific points to return the body back to balance and enhance Brain health.
Call me to set up a time to go over a Mental Health Program today! Dr. Mindy Boxer 310. 450. 9711.
