With up to 1 trillion nerve cells, the human brain is responsible to perform a plethora of functions to coordinate physical action with mental processes. Given the complexity and importance of the brain, it is paramount that the brain remains healthy so that it continues to work at the most optimum level. What can you do to keep your brain sharp? Here are some of the things that you can do to maximise your brain power.
Have your breakfast
Eating breakfast provides you with energy to start your day right. With sufficient energy supplied to the brain, you are more alert and able to focus your attention to tasks planned. Skipping breakfast does the exact opposite due to depletion of energy supply. Without adequate energy supply, your brain’s cognitive function is not able to work at its absolute best.
Stop eating when full
When you overeat, more energy is required to metabolize the food ingested resulting in fatigue of both the mind and the body. One of the ways to avoid overeating is to steer clear of buffet promotion. This not only benefits your wallet but your brain/body will thank you for it.
Avoid smoking like the plague
Despite expansive knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking, people still puff on the hazardous mix of chemicals on the street, in restaurants or even while driving. This is very unfortunate because the addictive cigarettes damage cells in your brain. In fact, smoking is reported to double the risk of a serious brain disorder such as Alzheimer ’s.
Less sugar please
Overconsumption of sugary food raises blood sugar level which can affect absorption of other nutrients essential for brain development. Cognitive impairment caused by damage to brain nerve cells may result due to high level of sugar in the blood. So go easy on sugar in your drinks as well as your food. Less is really more when sugar is concerned.
Air pollution
Staying in a city like KL, it is inevitable that we experience some level of air pollution. Polluted air contains various other gases such as nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Every time we inhale, we breathe in not only oxygen but also the small particles and gases that pollute the air. Studies indicate that excessively polluted air alter brain function and cause cell injuries.
Get adequate sleep
Memory consolidation of events that happen during the day takes place when we sleep. So does learning enhancement. Studies have shown that having adequate shut-eye can boost brain alertness and power while the lack of a good night’s sleep can negatively impact mental performance.
Taking it easy when sick
The next time you’re feeling a little under the weather, take time off to really let your body heal and recover from your illness. Overstressing your brain when your body is healing itself may do your brain more damage than good. So get some rest and let nature take its course. The body has an amazing way of healing itself if you let it. Listen to your body. That work can wait.
Use it or lose it
Just like the rest of your body, brain exercise keeps it at its most optimum level. Puzzles, brain teasers or even a chat flex your brain muscle. So the next time you’re at a party or simply chilling with friends, strike up an intellectual conversation. Take up a new hobby or learn a new language. You will not only keep your brain in top shape, but also have fun while doing it.
Now that you know how to take care of one of the most important human organs, it is time to change that bad habit and start taking good care of yourself. Go on, live well….