The New Year may be a few months in the rearview now, but that doesn't mean you can't still make New Year's Resolutions. While the most popular resolutions revolve around physical fitness, don't discount the body's most important organ - the brain.
Brain exercise is critical to keeping a sharp focus, healthy memory and enduring cognitive functions. However, working out the brain isn't the same as working your biceps. It's difficult to isolate, target and train your brain; instead, you need to take a more holistic approach.
Everything your body does - from eating to sleeping, drinking to thinking - impacts your brain. Therefore, you need to view brain health as a lifestyle rather than a directed form of exercise. In this post, let's look at a few ways you can holistically sharpen your mental acuity.
Diet
Diet plays a critical role in your overall brain health. Studies have shown that adherents to the Mediterranean diet, for instance, have a less likely chance of getting Alzheimer's Disease. Research also shows that certain foods - like leafy greens, omega-3-rich fish and berries high in flavonoids - improve the health of your brain.
Then there are "adaptogens," superfoods that help calm your nerves and sharpen your focus. One of the more popular examples of an adaptogen is lion's mane powder - from the Hericium Erinaceus mushroom. Research suggests that lion's mane, which has been used in traditional East Asian medicinal practises for centuries, improves cognitive function and decreases cognitive health decline. Starting your day with a packet of lion's mane powder stirred into your coffee is a perfect example of taking actionable, holistic steps toward brain health.
Exercise
People tend to think of the brain-body divide as a hard-and-fast barrier. But the two influence each other in ways modern neuroscientists and doctors are still figuring out. It may seem counterintuitive, but to keep one healthy, you have to keep the other healthy as well!
Exercise aids the brain in a very fundamental way: as your heart rate rises so too does the oxygen to your brain. This influx of oxygen promotes the release of various endorphins, which stimulate cell growth and help keep your brain healthy. A little exercise goes a long way. After your morning lion's mane drink, take a walk around the neighbourhood or go for a jog in the park.
Sleep
You don't really think of sleep as being productive. After all, you're just lying there. But this basic human need is about more than just bodily laziness - it's a way for your body and brain to replenish their functions. A lack of quality, consistent sleep can leave you unfocused and irritable and may even compromise your immune system.
Experts recommend getting a consistent six to eight hours of sleep per night, going to bed and waking up at the same time. If it helps, follow these proven tips for getting a better night's rest.
To achieve optimal brain sharpness, approach the challenge holistically. Switch up your diet to include more leafy greens, omega-3s and adaptogens like lion's mane powder; work up a sweat every now and again to release brain-healthy endorphins, and give your brain the rest it deserves by following a consistent sleep schedule. Make 2021 the year of living clearly.
