“Our brain is the most vital organ of our body. It is the main control center for everything we do. Here are 5 daily habits that might be damaging your brain health, along with some tips on what you can (should) do instead:
1. Staying in the dark too much. Our brains need natural light to regulate mood and energy levels. Without enough sunlight, you might feel more tired and even a bit down. So, try to get outside during the day (preferably before 10 am), open your curtains, and let some sunshine in. Your brain will thank you!
2. Poor sleeping habits. According to science, lack of sleep leads to neurological damage in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in learning and memory. This makes it hard for you to focus and may take you longer to complete a task. It can even affect your overall health and is one of the many causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. To avoid neurological damage, stick to a regular sleep schedule. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to keep your brain sharp and healthy. If you have trouble falling asleep, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and electronics in the evening and create a soothing nighttime ritual to help you fall asleep.
3. Consuming too much negative news. Constant exposure to bad news can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which causes your body to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed. It’s important to stay informed about what is going on in the world around us, but at the same time, your health is also important. So try to limit how much you watch or read.
4. Barely moving throughout the day. Physical activity gets your blood flowing which helps your brain function better. That’s why when you barely move, you might feel sluggish and have a harder time thinking clearly. Research also shows that sitting for long hours and barely moving raises your risk of chronic health problems heart diseases, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Therefore, try to take short breaks – get up and move every hour, take short walks, or do some simple exercises to keep the blood flowing.
5. Consuming too much sugar. It’s true that the brain uses more energy than any other organ in the body. It is also true that glucose is its primary source of fuel. But too much of anything is a problem. Similarly, high glucose levels diminish mental capacity, as higher blood sugar levels have been associated with a greater degree of brain atrophy or shrinkage. Not just that, excess consumption of sugar can lead to memory and cognitive deficiencies. Try cutting back on sugary snacks and drinks. Instead go for healthier choices like fruits, nuts, or whole grains to keep your brain healthy.
If you are doing any or all of these on a daily basis, it is high time you stop it before it causes irreparable damage. Such a lifestyle is not a healthy one and will not sustain you in the long run.
Instead, prioritize healthy habits such as going to bed early, meditating, eating healthy food, and getting enough sunlight.
Read More Here… https://themindsjournal.com/8-everyday-habits-that-are-damaging-your-brain-and-what-to-do-instead/
