Style Magazine June 2024

can range from just getting out of the
house, going to the store and interacting
with the cashier once a day, to going
for a walk with a friend, joining a book
club, or taking up a new hobby with a
group of people.
Being sociable boosts your mood
and can help avoid or alleviate
symptoms of depression. Social contact
is a recognized factor in good brain
health and good mental health—it will
come as no surprise to know that brain
health and mental health are cozy
bedfellows.
Donut and apple photo © SB Arts Media - stock.adobe.com. Woman playing game photo © Ang Geck Geck - stock.adobe.com.
SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL
And speaking of bed, sleep is essential
to keep the brain sharp. Cheung
recommends aiming for 7-9 hours
of quality sleep each night. “Sleep
deprivation can impair cognitive
function, including memory, attention,
and decision-making.”
Just as parents create a bedtime
routine with children, you should
create one for yourself. It might include
a no-screen rule after a certain time,
using essential oils, and/or reading.
Routine is key, as it trains the brain for
sleep.
STOP SMOKING
Smoking is bad for your health in
every way and linked to dementia. The
benefits start as soon as you stop no
matter what age, so never think that it’s
too late!
Secondary smoke can impact
other people, and we now know that it
cannot only lead to poor lung health
but compromised brain health, too. Air
pollution, in general, is a factor toward
poor brain health, so try to find fresh
air as much as possible; and, yes, go for
that hike!
BACK OFF ON THE
BOOZE
It’s well known that alcohol can
interrupt sleep patterns and quality of
sleep, as well as impairing the brain and
how it functions. Many reports on brain
health focus on the damage of excessive
alcohol consumption, so really look at
how much you’re drinking in a week.
Cutting back will help you gain clarity,
sleep more soundly, and improve other
areas of your life listed here (being
active, quitting smoking once and for
all, and eating well). If you’re concerned
and struggling to cut back, speak to a
medical professional.
MANAGE STRESS
Poor sleep, excessive alcohol, and
smoking are all stressors on the body;
when you add in family life and work
issues, mental stress can mount up.
“Practicing mindfulness through
meditation or yoga can help calm the
mind and reduce anxiety. Engaging in
behavioral health interventions like
cognitive-behavioral therapy can equip
individuals with coping mechanisms
to manage stress effectively. By
implementing these strategies,
individuals can promote a healthier and
more resilient brain,” explains Cheung.
KEEP USING YOUR
BRAIN
Social interaction is great for using your
brain, but so is putting it to work. In
some reports, the longer people work
into old age, the better off their brain
is. If the 9-5 is no longer an option, try
tackling that harder Sudoku or more
cryptic crossword, or even studying for
a qualification in something that piques
your interest.
EAT A HEALTHY DIET
Diet always comes up, doesn’t it,
but that’s because it matters. It’s
important for so many bodily
functions—and your brain. Small
changes can make a big difference
toward blood-sugar levels and weight
management, which in turn will lead
to a healthier body and mind.
• Could you increase your fruit
and veggie intake?
• How much sugar are you
consuming? Diabetes is a risk
factor for poor brain health.
• When it comes to protein, are
you “eating lean?”
“A Mediterranean-style diet has
been linked to improved brain
health,” advises Cheung.
BRUSH YOUR TEETH
Brush your teeth, floss, go to the
dentist—oral hygiene is more than
just keeping your teeth sparkly white
and without cavities. Bacteria from
your mouth is known to be able to
cross the blood/brain barrier and
therefore impacts your brain health.
So go make that appointment for a
checkup!
Many of these habits are linked,
as is the case with so much of our
health and well-being. Though
small changes can have an impact,
if possible, think of your whole
self and consider a change to your
lifestyle rather than just one aspect
of your daily routine. It’s all just
mind over matter.
JUNE 2024 | stylemg.com 41