The Link Between Brain Health and Mental Wellness
Most of the time when we think about mental health and wellness, we focus on emotional regulation, therapy, meditation, journaling... But did you know that brain health plays a crucial role in your overall mental well-being? As we care for our bodies, caring for our brain is essential to maintaining mental wellness, emotional balance, and overall, optimal cognitive function.
The Connection Between Mental Health and The Brain
ICYMI, the brain is the control center of the body. It affects everything from mood and memory, to decision-making, and focus. When the brain isn’t functioning optimally, it can quickly lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, brain fog, and other mental health issues.
According to Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert, "Your brain is involved in everything you do. When it works right, you work right."
Studies are showing that poor brain health is directly linked to several mental health disorders. When I started looking into this, I was “all ears”, as it were.
Factors like poor diet, lack of sleep, chronic stress, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to a serious decline in brain function, which in turn negatively affects your overall mental well-being. It may seem like, “duh!”, but prioritizing brain health is essential to fostering mental and emotional wellness.
So what should you be doing?
Take Better Care of Your Brain
It might sound daunting, “just one more thing to think about!”, but really, taking care of your brain doesn't have to be complicated. Simply implementing a few lifestyle changes and habits, can boost your brain's performance and improve your mental health. Let’s take a look:
1. Hack Your Plate
What you eat has a direct impact on brain health. Dr. Amen emphasizes the importance of a nutritious, balanced diet that includes plenty of antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Foods like blueberries, leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds are proven to improve brain function and protect against cognitive decline.
Looking for some good recipes? Sign up for the Weekly Wellness Bulletin! I send a new, healthy recipe - among a few other goodies - straight to your inbox, every Monday morning!
2. Seriously, Move Your Body
Exercise isn't just about physique - it’s an incredibly powerful tool that you can use to enhance brain function, and boost your mood. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which helps reduce the risk of cognitive disorders, and it boosts your mood by releasing endorphins.
Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands. - Elle Woods
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking or yoga, most days of the week. I cannot stress to you enough how much a daily walk can do for your life!
3. Go. To. Sleep.
Sleep is essential for brain health. During sleep, your brain cleans out toxins, consolidates memories, and repairs itself. Naturally, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive impairment and emotional instability. I don’t know about you, but if I’m tired, I’m cranky… more than cranky, I’m evil. Because I’m unwell. Make it a priority to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, depending on your physical constitution.
4. Chill the F*ck Out
Chronic stress can literally damage brain cells and shrink parts of the brain that are vital for memory and emotional regulation. It’s important to engage in stress-relieving activities like meditation, deep breathing, journaling or spending time in nature to help your brain recover from daily stressors. DECOMPRESS. WOO-SAHHH.
5. Brain Games!
Just as physical exercise strengthens your body, mental exercise strengthens your brain.
A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep it’s edge. - Tyrion Lannister
Keep your brain sharp by engaging in cognitive activities like puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing instruments. Dr. Amen suggests that lifelong learning and curiosity are key to keeping your brain in top shape!
Looking for book recommendations? Podcasts to listen to? Head over to the resources section of this website to help you get started.
6. Limit Toxins
I cannot stress this enough, and neither can Dr. Amen, who we keep referencing. Reducing or eliminating your exposure to toxins like alcohol, drugs, and environmental pollutants, is CRUCIAL. Toxins like this can and will harm brain cells and ultimately affect cognitive function, now and in the future. By limiting these toxins, you help protect your brain from damage and reduce the risk of mental health challenges.
Sober curious? I wrote a blog post about that.
At the End of the Day…
Your mental health starts with a healthy brain.
By adopting brain-healthy habits, you can support not only your cognitive function but also your emotional resilience and mental well-being.
To quote Dr. Amen one last time, “When you change your brain, you can change your life.”
Start with small, manageable changes today to give your brain—and your mental health—the care they deserve.
You are WORTH IT.
Be well,
L
