Grey Matters
March is Brain Health Awareness month so let’s this give this critical organ the respect it deserves by better understanding its role in our personal health and wellness.
Renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Sanjay Gupta shared valuable tips on how to protect the ever important “grey matter” as we age. There’s no time like the present to make sure we’re doing our best to keep it stimulated, energized and replenished so be sure to make Dr. Gupta’s suggestions part or your daily routine. Your body and mind will thank you!
- Think of inactivity as a disease! Every time you go to sit down think, “can I do this while standing or walking?” Dr. Gupta says. “That may go further in terms of the benefit of movement on your brain than even going to the gym.” Add more activity to your day to help prevent this disease! Why not grab your poles and go for a lunchtime stroll?
- Always be prepared to train. We need 150 minutes of exercise a week! Exercise helps to boost blood flow to your brain, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of new brain cells. Keep your poles nearby so you’re ready to squeeze in some physical activity whenever you can.
- Walk, talk, gripe. Dr. Gupta recommends a brisk walk with friends to talk about your problems! He calls it the brain trifecta: moving, socializing, and releasing stress. “Doing those three things ends up measurably detoxifying your brain,” Dr. Gupta says. Poling is a great way to combine all three.
- Fuel yourself right! Dr. Gupta lists some great foods to energize your brain and control your blood sugar.
- Eat real foods! Dr. Gupta encourages us to avoid supplements and to get our nutrients from healthy foods.
- Drink instead of eating. We often confuse hunger for thirst. “Even moderate amounts of dehydration can sap your energy and your brain rhythm.” After all, your brain is primarily made of water, and just 2% dehydration has a measurable impact on memory, processing speed, and analytical thinking.
- Make time for your friends. Social activity is fundamental for a healthy brain!
- Try the bubble method-separating a problem at hand by putting it in a” bubble” in your mind to develop hyper focus. Dr. Gupta practices analytical meditation, a technique he learned from the Dalai Lama himself.
- For lasting brain health, maintain ikigai. Ikigai is a Japanese word meaning “your reason for being”; it’s used a lot in Okinawa, where dementia rates are low. “There’s power in forging a sense of purpose” says Dr. Gupta.
We hope that these quick and easy healthy brain tips will make adding them to your daily routine
a “no brainer”! Our poles are always ready when you are!
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