Your memories, dreams, wishes, emotions and the nervous system for all your bodily functions are contained in the body's most vital organ: the brain. So, keeping your brain in tip-top condition is essential.
Here are five easy ways to keep your brain healthy:
1. Exercise regularly
Exercise is not only good for our muscles. Scientific research has shown that our brains grow stronger with every step we take. By doing at least 30 minutes of some form of exercise every other day, your brain produces more calming hormones that help relieve stress and anxiety. So get your walking shoes on!
2. Eat healthily
Eat foods high in fibre, lean proteins and healthy fats such as olive oil. Not only do they boost your energy levels, they are perfect for helping your brain function at its best level of effectiveness. Perfect brainpower foods include:
• salmon
• nuts and seeds
• blueberries
• whole grains
• avocados
• broccoli
• tomatoes
3. Get enough sleep
Our brains can't function optimally if we're tired. Sleep is like giving your brain a spring clean every night. It helps you think clearer and relieves stress. Make sure you get at least seven hours of good quality sleep every night. Here are some tips for a good night's sleep:
• Don't eat a late dinner
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake
• Don't watch TV or use a computer in bed
• Make sure your room is dark and not too hot or cold
• Take a hot bath an hour before bedtime
• Place several drops of lavender essential oil on a tissue and inhale
4. Take time out to relax
Your brain is always working, so it's essential to find some time to relax and unwind. Taking time to relax helps you organize your thoughts better as well as relieve your stress. There are a number of effective ways to combat stress, such as:
• Relaxing exercise like yoga
• Soaking in a hot bath
• Aromatherapy massage
• Meditation
• Hobbies and tasks you love doing
5. Take high-quality nutritional supplements such as:
Vitamin B12: this is a vital nutrient for healthy blood and nerves. If you are over 50, you are likely to have problems absorbing vitamin B12 from food, so a supplement is important. It aids memory, fatigue and prevents depression and brain shrinkage.
Gingko Biloba: Chinese herbal medicine has used the gingko leaf and seeds for thousands of years. It's widely known as a "brain herb". This supplement is an antioxidant, fighting harmful free radicals. It improves blood circulation and several studies show it may help treat dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. It helps to improve memory and thinking and also helps relieve anxiety, which is great for our overall health.
Coenzyme Q10: this nutrient exists in every cell in your body. Without adequate levels of coenzyme Q10, your brains become unhealthy and sluggish. This antioxidant protects your brain cells from free radicals, and aids concentration and clear thinking.
Omega 3 Fish Oil: This essential fatty acid is the building block of the brain. Omega 3 helps to transport nutrients and "happy chemicals" like serotonin to the brain. Because our brain is the centre of the nervous system, we have a huge need for omega 3 - without it our brains simply don't function properly.
Follow these easy tips and you'll protect the health of your brain for years to come.
K Hutchings-Olsson is a natural health and self-help writer, and the creator of The Self-Help Sanctuary. To get more of her tips on self-improvement and healthy living, please visit:
http://www.theselfhelpsanctuary.com.
