The older I get, the more I realize the importance of brain health. When I think of myself at 80 or 90, I still want to have a healthy, functioning brain. I could deal with physical ailments, but if my brain isn't working, I'm not sure how I would handle that.
We might know that sleep, exercise, and nutrition greatly impact our brain health, but what else can we be doing to support our cognitive well-being? The answer: managing stress, loneliness, and depression.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Anne Rice, brain expert, dental hygienist, and returning podcast guest, to continue our deep dive into the often-overlooked aspects of brain health. We unpack how factors like stress, depression, and loneliness significantly impact our cognitive well-being and provide simple, practical strategies to manage our brain health.
Key Takeaways:
The Silent Threat of Stress
Mindful Practices to Combat Stress
The Perils of Multitasking
Depression and Loneliness: Hidden Brain Threats
Nourishing Your Brain:
Prioritizing Mental Well-being
The Silent Threat of Stress
Stress can have a profound negative impact on the brain. The unfortunate truth is that everyone feels stressed. As a result, you might experience anxiety, irritation, muscle tension, headaches, and a host of other daily symptoms. Compounded, this everyday stress has long-term impacts on our overall brain health.
Cortisol, the stress hormone, can shrink the hippocampus, a critical region for memory and learning. It can also disrupt the prefrontal cortex, affecting decision-making, attention, and problem-solving abilities. We want a nice, big, fat hippocampus!
Mindful Practices to Combat Stress
While stress is inevitable, did you know we can manage it through mindfulness? Yoga, meditation, and journaling have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function. Simple acts like humming can also be beneficial, as the practice can increase oxygen levels, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation.
Next time you’re sitting next to someone humming in public, instead of getting annoyed, applaud them for improving their cognitive well-being (you'll have to listen to the episode for my story about the guy next to me on the plane humming the whole time).
The Perils of Multitasking
I used to think that I was being super-efficient when I was "multi-tasking." But I realized (and Anne confirmed on the episode) this doesn't lead to better efficiency, actually quite the opposite. Multi-tasking can be detrimental to brain health. It can impair short-term memory, hinder creative thinking, and reduce focus. Let’s be honest: when you’re doing several things at once, you’re not doing any of them with your complete focus and effort. Instead, focusing on one task at a time can improve productivity and cognitive function.
I share my experience with being a webinar attendee, working out, and baking all at the same time...
Depression and Loneliness: Hidden Brain Threats
Depression and loneliness are emerging as significant risk factors for cognitive decline. Untreated depression can lead to brain changes, including reduced gray matter volume in key areas. Loneliness, often overlooked, can also negatively impact brain health.
While medication can be used to treat chemical imbalances in cases of depression, it might not be for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you think this would be a helpful solution for you.
ou can also try getting outside, going on walks, and participating in hobbies and activities in a community setting.
Nourishing Your Brain
A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients can help protect the brain from damage. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide the necessary fuel for optimal brain function.
Prioritizing Mental Well-being
To maintain a healthy brain, it's essential to prioritize cognitive well-being. Regular meditation, even for a few minutes daily, can significantly improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall cognitive function.
Remember, a healthy brain is a valuable asset. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can take steps to protect and improve your cognitive well-being.
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