A Healthy Brain Works Better

Dr. Adele Diamond, a cognitive neuroscientist, states, “We know that if you are physically healthy, you’re pre-frontal cortex and brain work better…leading a sedentary life is terrible for your brain health or your cognitive health.”

Your brain is a physical organ with functions such as concentration and memory, just as your heart is a physical organ with the function to pump blood through your body. While philosophy debates where the mind emerges from in the first place, at the operational level, the brain is a physical organ with function dependent upon its physical environment and inputs. 

We tend to overlook this fact. It is obvious that exercise and nutrition is extremely important for running a race. It should be equally obvious that good health is extremely important for taking a test. 

Incorporate healthy lifestyle choices into your daily living to support optimal functioning of your body's organs and systems. In time, healthy lifestyle choices will increase your mental functioning, build your energy, up your mood, decrease your sick days, enhance your mobility, and add years to your life. 

Nutrition

Half the food you eat should be fruits and vegetables. Also include whole grains, such as brown rice, wheat bread, oatmeal, granola, et cetera. For protein, focus on nuts, beans, fish,  lowfat dairy (yogurt, milk), eggs, and small portions of lean cuts of meat. Treat yourself only occasionally to fast food, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods. Drink water and herbal or green tea. Everything in moderation. 

Exercise

Be physically active at least 60 minutes a day, most days of the week. Physical activity includes walking, biking, lifting weights, dancing, playing sports and much more. You can complete all 60 minutes of activity at once, or break it up throughout the day. Walk to a farther away bus stop. Take the stairs. Stand up when you are studying. Play with your kids. Incorporate movement throughout the day. 

Sleep

Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a day. Your brain is up to some very important things while you sleep. You might be able to get by for awhile with less sleep, using caffeine and other stimulants to power you through the day, but a sleep deficiency is an overall health deficiency, and it will catch up to you. Exercise and reduced stimulants will ensure a restful night of deep sleep. 

Mental Wellness

Stress and anxiety takes a toil on your physical health. Use time management to create balance. Create space for fun and laughter in your life. Stay connected with your loved ones. Practice emotional intelligence. Make time for meaningful spiritual experiences, such as participation in a faith community, meditation, prayer, spending time in nature, et cetera.