The mind is the most important muscle in the body and it is therefore vital we treat it as such. While we think about going to the gym and making sure we keep ourselves in good shape physically, how much thought do we put into ensuring we are in good working fashion mentally?
Not as much, which is pretty stupid really, as our minds are just as important as our bodies, if not more so. While the brain will change with age and mental decline happens to everyone, there are still several ways in which you can try to keep yours in good shape.
Here are six ways to keep your mind healthy.
Get mental stimulation
Scientists believe that brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain to generate nerve cells. What this means is that every time you read a book, take on a difficult crossword puzzle, paint, draw or carry out mental math, you’ll be helping to develop neurological plasticity and building up a reserve of cells that can help compensate for any future brain cell loss.
Improve your diet
Good nutrition doesn’t just help your body, but your mind as well. Of particular benefit to the brain is the Mediterranean Diet, a diet that is high in fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oils and plant sources of protein. It helps improve memory and can fight off cognitive impairment and dementia.
Get physical exercise
By exercising regularly, we increase the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the area of the brain that is responsible for thought. Exercise can also help lead to the creation of new cells and improves the connections between existing brain cells. All that translates to healthier minds as a result of improved neurological performance. You can find out more about neurons and their importance to our mental healthy by reading about Dendrites Psychology.
Avoid drugs and substance abuse
Drugs, smoking and alcohol are all bad for the mind. Both drugs and tobacco should be avoided in all forms, while for alcohol its recommended that you do not exceed the recommended daily amount of alcohol which currently stands at up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Care for your emotions and make sure you sleep well
It’s important you look after your mental health in order to maintain a healthy mind. Do all that you can to avoid stress, as that can lead to anxiety and depression which are extremely harmful to the brain. Tiredness is another factor behind poor mental health, so make sure you are getting the recommended daily amount of sleep, between seven to nine hours a night.
Protect your head
The head is the area of the body most susceptible to unseen damage. While you can see clearly if you’ve broken a finger of sprained an ankle in an accident, it is nigh on impossible to see any injuries to your brain without a scan. Always protect your head as best you can in order to preserve a healthy mind and if you suspect something is wrong, seek expert medical advice as soon as possible.
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