61 – The secret to a healthy brain
Never stop learning
We spend a lot of time thinking about our physical health – and we are becoming more aware of our mental health. But what about our brain health?
Dr. Jenny Brockis goal is to become the Jamie Oliver of brain fitness. The science of understanding the health of the brain has been revolutionized in recent years. New scanning technologies have for the first time allowed us to understand what is happening under our skull. When Jenny was in medical school she was taught that the brain was essentially static throughout our lives. That has been proven to be totally wrong. It has been replaced by the theory of neuroplasticity which tells us that the brain is always changing. That means we can be lifelong learners. The more you use it the better it gets. As you pick up new hobbies or interests as you age you can improve your overall brain function.
Lessons Learned
Figure it out for yourself
The best way to learn is not by repeating the things you’ve read in a book. Figuring out something for yourself will ensure that information sticks with you for the rest of your life.
A healthy body means a healthy brain
In order to keep a really fit and healthy brain you need to be in good overall physical shape. You can’t change your genes but you can change your lifestyle. 30% of all cases of dementia are preventable by choosing healthy lifestyles. That includes good food choices and lots of physical activity.
The perfect diet for the brain
The Mediterranean diet, which features leafy greens, oily fish like salmon, seeds, nuts and legumes, is the best for your brain. People who choose that diet have higher levels of cognition later into their lives when compared with other populations. The Mediterranean diet can also have extremely positive impacts on people suffering from clinical depression.
Your environment is good for your brain
A workplace that makes workers feel valued and understood will dramatically reduce stress. The better the interpersonal relations in a workplace the more productive and effective your employees will become.
Turn off your screen
We are in the golden age of TV but research shows that passively staring at a screen is not very stimulating. Turning off your screen a few hours before bed is the best way to ensure that you are getting enough sleep. No one wakes up in the morning and says “I’m so glad I watched that extra episode of Game of Thrones last night.”
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