Your brain is the most important organ in your body. It controls almost everything in our bodies, from our physical movements, to our emotions and thoughts, to what decisions we choose to make. However, when we think about our health, our brain isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind.

Especially with so many of us staying indoors right now, making sure to hit all the boxes you need to keep a healthy brain can be exhausting. The good news is there are tons of small changes you can make to keep your brain health in check, even during quarantine. The first step is to check in with yourself, and see how your brain is doing. It can be easy to let good habits get replaced with bad ones, so be sure to practice some self reflection as often as you can.

Signs of a Healthy Brain

Luckily, there are tons of signs that can tell you whether or not your brain is healthy. The ability to make good decisions may indicate your brain is in tip-top shape. Being able to focus on one thing at a time, truly engaging with an activity or in conversation, and feeling calm and relaxed are all signs that your brain is doing well. Additionally, your relationships with others can say a lot about your brain’s health. Are you reliable and always keep your plans with others? Do you show compassion and kindness? If so, you’ve likely got a brain in great condition. 

Signs of an Unhealthy Brain

On the other hand, there are also plenty of warning signs that your brain needs some extra love and attention. Anxiety, depression, thoughts of violence, as well as a pattern of poor decision-making are all indicators that your brain might be in trouble. Pay attention to your mental state, and try to be aware if you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or as though you can’t escape the cycle of negative thoughts. There are many causes for why your brain might be less than healthy, like spending a little too much time on social media, not exercising enough, experiencing excessive amounts of stress, or picking up unhealthy habits like drugs or alcohol. If you are experiencing any of these signs, don’t worry, because there’s a lot of things we can all be doing to take better care of our brains.

Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

Exercise

Physical exercise isn’t just great for your body, it also does wonders for your brain. Getting your blood flowing can reduce your risk of brain disease later on, and can help to improve memory, boost your mood, and even enhance your learning abilities. This can be as simple as taking a walk around the block each day, or following an online workout in your living room.

Eat Healthy

The best foods for brain health are those that have tons of nutrients. Anti-inflammatory options and those with antioxidants are always great choices. Some brain power foods include walnuts, salmon, blueberries, yogurts, and greens. And of course, don’t forget to stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Get Enough Rest

Rest and relaxation is essential for your brain’s health. Physically, sleep helps to give you more energy, and boosts your immune system. But rest doesn’t just mean sleep, it can also mean practicing meditation, yoga, or finding other things that help you feel calm. 

Work Out Your Brain

The same way you exercise to build your muscles, you also have to exercise your brain! Mentally stimulating activities help keep your brain strong, and can even promote the growth of new brain cells. Try completing puzzles, brain teasers, or games that get you thinking like sudoku or scrabble!

Get Social Interaction

A full social life is one of the best things you can do to keep your mind active. This is something a lot of us are really missing right now. But even if we can’t see each other in person, hopping on a phone call or video chat with friends can really boost your mood and stimulate your brain. In fact, some studies have shown that regular social interaction can even help prevent memory loss.

Remember, in times of high stress, a focus on our brain health is more important than ever. Practicing self-care and taking the time to rest, recharge, and engage in activities that make you happy, are ultimately going to pay off in more ways than you might think.

At Tilly’s Life Center, we are all about stimulating our brains. Whether it’s implementing positive affirmations, running through meditations, or practicing effective communication techniques, keeping a healthy mind is always at the forefront of our lessons. To join us for virtual workshops and put these practices into action, visit tillyslifecenter.org/virtual-workshops