7 Pillars Of Brain Health

Brain Health

The 7 Pillars Of Brain Health 
 
Your day-to-day habits have a huge impact on your overall brain health. How well you manage stress, how much you socialize, how well you sleep, how much you exercise, and what you drink & eat all are crucial to maintaining your brain health & preventing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
So...how does one effectively train their brain? Here are the Seven Pillars of Brain Health that can help you achieve optimal brain functioning, even into old age.

1. Physical Activity
You need to keep your body moving, because those who exercise on a regular basis have a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise can help to increase blood flow to the brain and improve your memory. It also causes chemical changes in the brain that boost your mood & ability to think. Exercise can prolong your life, reduce the risk of heart problems, maximize sleep, and even help you lose weight.

The mind is closely linked to the body, so the more exercise you get the better your brain functions. Try to include exercises that develop your balance, strength & aerobic capacity, which will all contribute to maintaining & improving your cognitive abilities. 

A kinesiologist can help design a tailored exercise program built around your injuries & health conditions if you are unsure where to start.

2. Reducing Risks For Mental Health Conditions
We cannot always avoid mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. However, there are things we can do to reduce risk factors for such diagnoses. For one, properly managing or avoiding chronic stress can help reduce the risk for depression & anxiety.

Additionally, learning healthy coping skills for dealing with life’s problems & our own emotions can help prevent us from going into a depressive spiral. One of the biggest considerations in this respect is the health of our relationships, where we actually have more control than we may have in other life situations. 
 
3. Food & Nutrition
There is truth the old adage 'you are what you eat'. By making good food choices each day, you can improve the health of your brain. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, which has been linked to developing dementia.
Additionally, as a person ages, their brain is subjected to stress that can be harmful to their mental health.

The process by which stress affects the brain is known as 'oxidation', which can be damaging to a person’s brain health. Food that is high in antioxidants can help reduce the negative effects of oxidation. You could try following a Mediterranean diet, which is high in nuts, olives, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and fish. A healthy diet can be a great way to contribute to optimal brain health. 

A nutritionist can help you start a healthy diet if you are unsure where to begin.
4. Medical Health
Proper brain health starts with controlling your medical risks. Things such as smoking, high cholesterol, head trauma, depression, obesity & diabetes all increase a person’s chances of developing dementia. 

If you go in for regular check-ups & follow your doctor’s advice, which means taking medications & supplements as prescribed, you will achieve better physical & mental wellness. Your brain is much happier when you take care of your medical health!

5. Sleep & Relaxation
It is widely know that your brain functions better when you are well rested. Sleep is energizing, improves your immune system, enhances your mood, and refreshes the brain. It may also decrease the development of 'beta-amyloid plaque', which is linked to Alzheimer’s & dementia.

Anyone who has needed to stay awake for an prolonged period of time, or has had a bad night’s sleep knows how much of an impact this has on mental functioning, focus & concentration. 

If you have trouble with proper sleep, try meditation to manage your stress levels, which may also help to decrease the age-related decline of brain health. There are few things that help a person feel better than getting a great sleep, as it clearly sharpens & refreshes the mind!

6. Mental Fitness
Brain health depends on using your mind to its maximum abilities. Those who spend much of the their time in front of a television are not really stimulating their brain and utilizing it in a way that promotes the growth of neural pathways. Your brain is similar to your muscles, where atrophy occurs from lack of movement. Getting enough mental exercise is just as critical as physical exercise! 

There is a little known term called 'brain reserve', which helps the brain respond & adapt to mental changes and reduce the risk that your brain will sustain damage. A person’s brain reserve starts when they are children and only gets stronger as the person ages. People who persist in developing new interests & skills, engage in things that are interesting, partake in new activities, and continue to learn new things will be able to maximize their brain reserve.
 
7. Social Interaction
People who maintain social relationships and remain connected with others often have improved brain health. Try to engage in meaningful conversation with others, spend time with friends, and stay in touch with loved ones. Those who have the most social interaction typically enjoy better brain health! 

I hope you found this article helpful in reminding you to take proper care of your brain.
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