SOCIAL distancing should not mean social isolation. You can always count on technology to connect with family members and friends. In these uncertain times when movements are restricted to avoid coronavirus infection and people worldwide have all sorts of worries, everybody needs a strong support system. Social interaction does not just keep you from getting bored and lonely. It’s actually good for your brain health.
The brain controls important functions. It controls the ability to think, breathe, speak, and walk, among others. It is therefore very important to take care of the brain in different ways.
Keep moving. It’s amazing how parts of the human body are interconnected and interdependent. According to Dr. Justin Varney of Public Health England, any physical activity is good for brain and body. “Whilst every 10 minutes of exercise provides some benefit, doing
150 minutes a week cuts the chances of depression and dementia by a third, and boosts mental health at any age,” he said.
Eat brain healthy foods. Nuts, eggs, fatty fish, green and leafy vegetables and seafood can help improve your brain function.
Protect your brain from injury. Wear a helmet when needed. Boxing and football are two of the sports associated with concussion, the most common type of brain injury in sports, according to the US
National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
Manage your stress. Chronic stress is harmful to brain cells. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Avoid worrying. Relax and take a nap. Sufficient sleep is good for the brain.
Stimulate your brain through mental activities like reading, solving puzzles, and learning something new. Experts say that new skills and experiences “help keep your brain healthy by constantly creating new connections between brain cells” (Caccappolo).
