Most of us know what is required of us to maintain our physical health for peak performance on a daily basis – what to eat, how to treat our bodies, and so on. And while there is a sustained drive to focus on our mental health – which is well-meant, but not always well-researched – it’s a fact that the complicated nature of what goes on in our heads is often poorly understood.
When people talk about a healthy brain, it’s often assumed that they mean in terms of mental wellbeing – but the reality is that there is more going on in our brains than emotions, and a healthy mind includes some clear physical factors.
What do we need to know about brain health?
Increasingly, we’re aware of when we are depressed, anxious, or prone to other emotional disruptions, but there is a difference between these “invisible” conditions and ones which are very much based in the physical.
Perhaps the easiest example to explain is the phenomenon of “brain fog” – where you may struggle to remember something or complete a sentence, and there is a clear physical sensation that anyone who has experienced can identify. This kind of feeling can impair our ability to perform physical and administrative tasks.
Are mind health and mental health related?
Mental health, in the sense of a depressive condition or anxiety, is a part of mind health, and there is no coincidence in the fact that people who suffer from these conditions can also find the sharpness of their mind impaired.
Statistics show that people who suffer from depression from middle age onward are 80% more likely to experience dementia. So while conditions like depression are not from the same root as dementia or Alzheimer’s, they can end up at the same place.
What can I do to keep my brain healthy?
As well as seeking assistance if you find yourself prone to depression, there are physical health decisions you can make that will help. Caffeine – in careful doses – helps with mental acuity, so indulging in your preferred cafe and coffee shop drinks is highly recommended.
Physical exercise is important – it keeps you active, helps you sleep and improves your strength and physical robustness, which all helps the brain. Additionally, playing trivia or puzzle games assists with building memory and recall – it won’t actively make you more intelligent, whatever some may claim, but its actual effects are more important than that.
What warning signs should I look out for?
As previously noted, the sensation of “brain fog” is a sign that you are overtaxing the brain; if you experience it often, consider whether you have been sleeping enough, getting the right nutrients in your diet, and avoiding a stressful workload.
If you’re falling below your usual level of mental performance, and can’t track it to a specific cause, make an appointment with your doctor and seek further advice: even something seemingly unconnected like a thyroid issue can be at the source of brain fatigue.
Your brain is responsible for a lot, from keeping you emotionally on point to delivering knowledge when it is needed. Keeping it ticking over, and helping it out when it needs it, are essential parts of any healthy lifestyle.
