Sunitta Raman
6 min readMar 5, 2023

10 Powerful Ways to Keep the Brain Healthy

And protect yourself from dementia…

Technically, the human brain is one of the most complex and powerful mechanisms to have been created by nature. This brain is capable of functioning in multiple ways with both its motor and cognitive abilities. With millions of neurons and sensory messages being passed every one-millionth of a nanosecond, you can imagine the power and the dynamics with which it can function throughout the life span of one single human being. Now the question arises, ‘Does the brain get tired? ‘And the answer is ‘Yes’ it does. Does the brain also need nutrition? Yes, it does but not only with the food we eat we have to feed our brain with positive attitudes and affirmations, good sleep, and many other day-to-day functions that will keep the brain fit and healthy. But all this does not guarantee a life free from dementia and Alzheimer’s but doing our part will ensure that we remain in good brain health as long as we are alive.

Let’s consider the 10 Pillars of Brain Health

Ø Engage Your Brain

The brain is a powerhouse of activities, ideas, intelligence, and many other cognitive thinking that it is capable of, then why not engage the brain in useful activities and make it sharper and brighter? Reading a book, painting, sewing, and many other motor and cognitive functions are enhanced as we keep the brain engaged in useful activities as we feel relaxed and refreshed throughout the day. Fun activities with elderly people like a game of cards, chess, or carrom board keep the elderly from developing dementia later in life. A healthy brain generates ideas that pave the way to leading a more fulfilling and active life.

Image Courtesy:www.pexels.com Photo by: Shvets Production

Ø Stay Socially Active

Man is a social animal; interacting with friends and neighbors daily gives us a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Meeting at social gatherings gives us a sense of being socially active as we are ready to join our friends and peers for the latest outing or a collaborative movie treat over the weekend. These fun past times will make us look forward to socializing with one and all.

Ø Manage Stress

Stress is one of the main reasons that make the brain get tired easily and lose interest in the work that we are engaged in. In order to function at its optimum best, the brain needs to be stressed free and this is not possible all the time; so the best way is to manage stress effectively and effortlessly, is through the practice of yoga, and another really powerful way to manage stress is meditation. The rubbish that you feed your brain through negative thinking will only rebound on your overall health.

Image Courtesy: www.pexels.com Photo by: Shvets Production

Ø Exercise

Daily physical exercise can do wonders for the brain as it helps decrease stress and anxiety. It improves the process of emotions and prevents latent or hidden neurological problems. Exercise increases energy, focus, and attention which makes us feel good and look confident. It lowers the aging process and improves memory.

Ø Get Restorative Sleep

Individuals who are sleep-deprived wake up in the morning with a headache and feel groggy. They are slow and less receptive to all that is going around them the whole day. Even in the office, they are not able to concentrate on the work at hand. Do you know why? Sleep plays an important role in brain health and a good 7–8 hours of sound sleep ensures proper functioning of the brain along with clarity of thought processes.

Ø Eat Right

We all eat healthy to keep our bodies fit and energetic throughout the day, but are we eating the right foods that keep our brains mentally alert and sharp throughout our lives? Do you know there are certain foods that help the brain? Here is a list of brain foods that help our grey cells remain active and alert throughout our lives. A comprehensive list of 11 foods that actually help the brain from aging, and prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and also dementia. Foods that are packed with Omega 3 are essentially found in fatty fish. The world’s favorite drink is coffee and delightful dark chocolate. Blueberries, turmeric, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, nuts, oranges, and eggs all add to our overall well-being. But don’t forget to sip on green tea with its powerful anti-oxidant properties that promote good brain health. Right?

Ø Protect Your Head

The brain is a vital part of the human body that controls all its functions. Even the slightest head injury caused by an accident, or falling down at home can severely damage the brain and leave a human being in a vegetative state. Being callous about protecting our heads is only a sign of immaturity on our part. Wearing protective headgear may save us from years of pain, loss, and permanent damage. It is advisable to wear a helmet while driving and keep our heads protected.

Ø Play ‘Mind Games’

One of the best ways to keep ourselves mentally active and alert is to play games that enhance our cognitive abilities. A game of chess, word games, or a simple Rubik's cube will keep the brain engaged and charged. Positive affirmations repeated on a daily basis will help us look forward to our future with hope and positivity, unlike pessimism which makes us feel resentful, moody, and critical of others' behavior. Don’t dump rubbish and you will nurture a good mental and a positive personality.

Ø Manage Your Blood Pressure/ Blood Sugar

These two potentially dangerous and harmful conditions of the blood can mess up the brain in a very serious way. While high blood pressure can cause blood clots in the arteries leading to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke. While on the other hand, high blood sugar over time damages blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. These two health conditions should be kept in check and managed with regular medical check-ups and a healthy diet routine.

Ø Have measured alcohol intake

Over-the-top alcohol consumption fogs the brain and blankets clarity. The brain controls balance, memory, and judgment required for leading our daily lives. If this normal function is disrupted by the unnecessary consumption of alcohol then it may result in serious injuries and unwanted accidents. Heavy drinking can also cause alterations in the neurons making them shrink further. The chemical changes in the brain can lead to a lot of negativity resulting in anger, depression, and anxiety. To lead a healthy and normal life having alcohol in prescribed measures leads to good health and a feeling of well-being.

The brain and its intrinsic functions have been a subject of both intrigue and fascination, and doctors from the olden times have been in a constant endeavor to provide the human race with accurate information about the brain and its complex functions. Medical science has come a long way and technology has taken giant strides in providing the best treatment for patients with brain diseases. While we human beings will go to any lengths to protect our brains but nature will definitely intervene to remind us about our behavior and habits toward our brain health. Let’s hope and carry our knowledge for our future generations to follow and imbibe for a positive and happy life.

Sunitta Raman
Sunitta Raman

Written by Sunitta Raman

Freelance Writer, Journalist, Editor and Proofreader with more than twenty years experience in creative writing.

No responses yet