When it comes to your health, two factors usually come to mind: your physical activity and your diet. However, there is a very important and essential factor when it comes to your overall health and well-being that it is too often overlooked: your mental health. Nourishing your brain is important in order for your body to function and operate correctly. Positivity and relaxation are both key components when it comes to improving upon your mental health, but there are some other tips and suggestions we have for you in order to ensure your body can become and stay mentally fit!


AVOID HIGH SUGARS

Our body creates and supplies glucose, which is essential for our brain’s functioning throughout the day. However, the simple sugars which are located in junk food cause peaks and drops in this circulation, and therefore upset the balance of our brain. According to the World Health Organization, it is recommended that only 5% of our caloric intake come from sugars. Today, however, people are consuming close to 5 times that much! Studies have shown that high sugar consumption can lead to low levels of insulin. As a result of this, cognitive functions such as memory and learning skills can be at risk

GET MORE PROTEIN

The amino acids found in the protein we consume are key components for a healthy brain. They provide essential materials that are needed to create the neurotransmitters that our brains depend on. Experts have stated that 20-25% of our daily diet should come from some type of high-quality protein. According to Psychology Today, “The hormones and enzymes that cause chemical changes and control all body processes are made of proteins.” Therefore, the basis for our brain’s daily function stems in part from the proteins we consume.

 REGULATE YOUR STRESS WITH VITAMINS

Everyone knows how stressful stress can be on your body. Stress hormones, however, can be regulated by vitamins such as Vitamin B, B3, and C. These vitamins can protect your body and its neurotransmitters from stress hormones that can have a negative effect on your body and your overall health.

READ A BOOK

We know that when it comes to your body, it is important to exercise and stay physically active. When it comes to your brain, however, we sometimes tend to forget that we need to do the same thing. Reading is the exercise of the mind! It can help to stimulate your brain and reduce your levels of stress. Reading has also been linked to improvements in memory as well.

REMEMBER TO SMILE

Research shows that a regular gratitude practice has the capacity to create new neural pathways that support a more positive outlook. Being around positive and uplifting people has also been shown to increase your happiness and overall sense of feeling. This is important to remember for you personally because, after all, you don’t want to bring down the people around you!

CK

Works Cited:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200301/brain-power-why-proteins-are-smart
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/06/sugar-brain-mental-health_n_6904778.html