There is scientific evidence that healthy behaviors reduces risk for cognitive decline. Here are eight steps you can take for a healthier brain!
1. Don’t Smoke
Certain individuals turn to smoking as a form of "self-medication" to alleviate stress. Despite this, studies indicate that smoking can increase feelings of anxiety and tension. Nicotine initially provides a momentary feeling of relaxation, causing individuals to believe it helps in managing stress and anxiety. Yet, this relief is short-lived and subsequently transitions into withdrawal symptoms and amplified cravings.
2. Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure
When considering high blood pressure, mental health disorders might not come to mind immediately. However, there is a link between the two. Individuals with hypertension are at a higher risk of facing mood disorders like anxiety and depression compared to those with regular blood pressure levels.
3. Manage and Prevent High Cholesterol
Over the course of multiple decades, extensive research has discovered a marked link between cholesterol levels and severe behavioral issues.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight with Healthy Eating and Regular Exercise
People living with obesity often struggle with mood and anxiety disorders. One study found that adults with excess weight had a 55% higher risk of developing depression over their lifetime. Studies also show that nutrition directly affects our mental and emotional well-being.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deficiency changes activity in some parts of the brain. If you're sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. Sleep deficiency has also been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior.
6. Stay Engaged with Activities that Challenge your Brain-crosswords, puzzles, and other brain games
Working on a puzzle reinforces connections between brain cells, improves mental speed and is an effective way to improve short-term memory. Spending time concentrating on a puzzle can ease stress and anxiety.
7. Manage your Blood Sugar
An increasing amount of evidence indicates a link between mood and fluctuations in blood sugar levels, known as glycemic highs and lows. It has been demonstrated that signs of inadequate glycemic control closely resemble symptoms of mental health issues like irritability and anxiety.
8. If you Drink Alcohol, Drink in Moderation
Alcohol abuse can cause signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and antisocial behavior. Alcohol is a depressant.