Want a healthy brain? A neuroscientist reveals what you should never do
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As we age, many of us become especially mindful of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to retain our mental and physical well-being. And here at the Seniors Discount Club, we strive to inform our beloved members of the latest research on how to live healthily.
Recently, we came across a fascinating article where a neuroscientist shared her insights into habits that may damage our brain health. Needless to say, we were piqued by her wisdom and eager to benefit from her expert advice.
Emily McDonald is a neuroscience consultant and mindset coach. With over 180,000 followers on social media, her channel (@emonthebrain) has captivated audiences as she shares her science-backed approach to keeping her brain healthy.
Emily has highlighted three simple habits we should avoid to protect our brain health. Let's dive right in!
Tip #1: Avoid using your smartphone first thing in the morning
Did you know that using your smartphone right after waking up is linked to stress? Emily explains that when we wake up, our brain waves transition from theta to alpha, meaning our subconscious mind is more receptive to new information.
By checking our phones first thing in the morning, we expose ourselves to stress-inducing content that could negatively influence our mindset throughout the day.
Besides stressing our minds, smartphone usage during the morning also interferes with our dopamine levels, leading us to compulsively check our phones for instant gratification.
‘The content that you consume during this time will have a greater impact on your mindset,’ she told her viewers.
Instead, Emily suggests using the morning hours to listen to or recite affirmations and set intentions for the day, focusing on positive emotions to set the tone for the rest of your day.
Tip #2: Refrain from engaging in negative self-talk
You may be guilty of this without even realising it. Our inner critic may cause stress, anxiety and even affect our self-confidence.
Studies have also shown that self-criticism can hamper our ability to achieve goals. Emily advises, ‘What you say to yourself matters, and the more you put that into your brain, the more it gets wired in, and what's wired in is what we manifest.’
Tip #3: Steer clear of highly-processed foods
Eating highly-processed foods negatively affects our brain health as it accelerates the brain-ageing process. Studies have linked excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of early death, dementia, and heart disease.
‘There is plenty of science now to support that what you eat impacts your brain,’ she told viewers.
‘High-processed foods lead to brain ageing — and we don't want that.’
To maintain a healthy brain, Emily suggests following a simple rule: aim to eat food with no more than five ingredients.
By sharing her wise words, Emily has encouraged numerous viewers to rethink their daily habits and make better choices for their brain health.
You can watch Emily’s video below:
Our takeaway? Embrace your mornings with positivity, be kinder to yourself, and make healthier food choices. And remember, consult with your doctor to ensure you’re transitioning safely to any lifestyle changes!
What about you, members? Do you agree with Emily’s advice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Recently, we came across a fascinating article where a neuroscientist shared her insights into habits that may damage our brain health. Needless to say, we were piqued by her wisdom and eager to benefit from her expert advice.
Emily McDonald is a neuroscience consultant and mindset coach. With over 180,000 followers on social media, her channel (@emonthebrain) has captivated audiences as she shares her science-backed approach to keeping her brain healthy.
Emily has highlighted three simple habits we should avoid to protect our brain health. Let's dive right in!
Tip #1: Avoid using your smartphone first thing in the morning
Did you know that using your smartphone right after waking up is linked to stress? Emily explains that when we wake up, our brain waves transition from theta to alpha, meaning our subconscious mind is more receptive to new information.
By checking our phones first thing in the morning, we expose ourselves to stress-inducing content that could negatively influence our mindset throughout the day.
Besides stressing our minds, smartphone usage during the morning also interferes with our dopamine levels, leading us to compulsively check our phones for instant gratification.
‘The content that you consume during this time will have a greater impact on your mindset,’ she told her viewers.
Instead, Emily suggests using the morning hours to listen to or recite affirmations and set intentions for the day, focusing on positive emotions to set the tone for the rest of your day.
Tip #2: Refrain from engaging in negative self-talk
You may be guilty of this without even realising it. Our inner critic may cause stress, anxiety and even affect our self-confidence.
Studies have also shown that self-criticism can hamper our ability to achieve goals. Emily advises, ‘What you say to yourself matters, and the more you put that into your brain, the more it gets wired in, and what's wired in is what we manifest.’
Tip #3: Steer clear of highly-processed foods
Eating highly-processed foods negatively affects our brain health as it accelerates the brain-ageing process. Studies have linked excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of early death, dementia, and heart disease.
‘There is plenty of science now to support that what you eat impacts your brain,’ she told viewers.
‘High-processed foods lead to brain ageing — and we don't want that.’
To maintain a healthy brain, Emily suggests following a simple rule: aim to eat food with no more than five ingredients.
By sharing her wise words, Emily has encouraged numerous viewers to rethink their daily habits and make better choices for their brain health.
You can watch Emily’s video below:
Key Takeaways
- Neuroscientist Emily McDonald shared three things she avoids doing to protect her brain health: using her smartphone first thing in the morning, engaging in negative self-talk, and eating highly-processed foods.
- Smartphone use in the morning can lead to greater levels of stress and distraction throughout the day, as well as dopamine imbalance.
- Negative self-talk can cause stress, anxiety, decreased self-confidence, and hinder the ability to achieve goals.
- Eating highly-processed foods can lead to brain ageing, increased risk of early death, dementia, and heart disease.
What about you, members? Do you agree with Emily’s advice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!