Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy
A Neurologists Guide to Keeping Your Mind Healthy
Technically speaking, neurology is the study of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. However, in practice, the field overlaps with a lot of other specialities like psychology, the muscular system and psychiatry.
This should come as no surprise because the mind is a truly complex wonder. It is natural that it should require a more holistic approach when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of the mind. That being said, usually, by the time it reaches diagnosis and treatment, it’s too late. This is especially true in the case of degenerative diseases where the best we can usually hope for is to slow the progression.
This is precisely why it is important to keep the mind as well as the body healthy. And considering the complex interaction of the organs and systems within the human body, preventative care also has a holistic/360-degree approach, much like diagnosis and treatment. So here are 4 few things you can do on a daily basis to keep your mind fighting fit.
(1.) Diet
What goes into our body naturally affects everything within it. Our food is what drives our bodies and even minds. So it is important to keep a healthy and balanced diet to keep both of them in top form. Some basic tips include:
- Eat at least three servings of whole grains a day
- Eat a green leafy vegetable and one other vegetable every day
- Snack most days on nuts
- Have beans every other day or so
- Eat poultry at least twice a week
- Eat berries at least twice a week
- Eat fish at least once a week
- Drink an occasional glass of wine
Vegetarians can skip the non-vegetarian parts of the diet and replace them with appropriate sources of protein.
(2.) Sleep
The benefits of sleep are well recorded and researched. Studies have been conducted where volunteers were put under conditions of no sleep for days on end. Besides the expected symptoms of fatigue and extreme drowsiness, there have also been reports of hallucinations and paranoia.
Therefore to keep the mind healthy and fully functional, it is important to get the required amount of sleep. This may be different for each individual but usually varies between 6 to 8 hours per night.
(3.) Mental Stimulation
Much like we exercise or work out to keep the body fit, we also need to stimulate the mind to keep it fit. This ensures a lower chance of cognitive functions declining. So it is important to commit to mental activities such as board games, playing cards, playing musical instruments, or creative activities. Perhaps pick up a puzzle hobby such as crosswords or Sudoku.
Whatever it is, it is important that one enjoys it as only then is one likely to continue the hobby.
(4.) Social Activities
Man is very much a social animal and this is an important factor in keeping the mind healthy as well. It has been shown that the chances of dementia, a common symptom of degenerative diseases, are lowered in people who are more socially active. So all those festivals and parties that many people feel forced to attend, are actually serving the purpose of keeping you mentally healthy as well.
