The remarkable human brain is what sets us apart as the pinnacle of creation. It is a spectacular paragon of nature. It’s the most prized property since it’s a treasure chest, a mystical realm within our heads. Therefore, we should protect this mental stronghold as if our very lives depended on it because they do.
An interesting new phenomenon has emerged in recent times as a neurologist exposes the practices we should avoid to keep our brains functioning at peak levels for the rest of our lives.
The video by “mindset” coach Emily McDonald, who is equipped with a deep grasp of neuroscience, went viral on TikTok and has amassed over 4 million views.
1. End the Cycle of Morning Doom-Scrolling
Just picture waking up with your brain amid a theta-to-alpha shift. According to McDonald, at this juncture, the mind enters a receptive, programmable condition that makes it exceptionally responsive to external inputs. Injecting our newly awakened brain with the digital toxin of doom-scrolling is where the trouble starts.
According to McDonald, our brains are “really suggestible” at this time, and the decisions we make then may have a lasting effect on our mood and reward-seeking (dopamine) function for the rest of the day. She argues that this sets up a cycle of addiction that makes us grab our phones uncontrollably. As she put it, “It’s like a seemingly innocent cookie jar that keeps luring you back for another bite.”
Following McDonald’s counsel, one need not spend time each morning skimming through news articles about how bad things are becoming. She also stresses the need to not touch our phones for at least 20–30 minutes after getting up and again for at least an hour before sleep.
2. Nourish the Brain, Nourish the Soul
The second postulate of McDonald’s philosophy reveals an essential link between nutrition and brain function. McDonald, citing the ancient adage “you are what you eat,” cautions against the cognitive decline that might result from eating processed meals, such as increased brain fog and forgetfulness.
She stresses the need for a diet heavy in “good” fats, whole grains, and fresh vegetables while avoiding processed foods, highlighting the link between the stomach and the brain. She encourages us to give our brains a facelift via better eating habits.
3. Harness the Power of Positive Self-Talk
Last but not least, McDonald’s third epiphany deals with themes of self-confidence and fortitude. She argues that the things we tell ourselves have a significant impact on how we see the world. A simple affirmation like “today is going to be a great day” sends a strong message to our brains, telling them to look for the best in whatever comes their way.
She talks about how she fights negativity by doing a mental exercise that rewires her brain by focusing on three good qualities about herself. Imagine it as a mental exercise at the gym, McDonald’s jokes.
She also suggests adding meditation to your routine as a way to cultivate a more optimistic outlook and promote the development of new neurons in your hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory. To put it more simply, it’s a formula for keeping your brain fresh.
As I reflect on McDonald’s insightful insights, I find myself nodding along, certain that I have found the Holy Grail of brain health. It’s a new way of looking at things that give us the ammunition to fight for our mental health rights and change the world.
It’s worth it to make the effort to improve one’s health and mental acuity, as well as their overall quality of life if doing so would lead to a ‘forever youthful’ brain. After all, nothing compares to the priceless value of a sound mind.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Alina Grubnyak on Unsplash