TOP 5 bad habits that suppress the work of the human brain

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

Being optimistic can help keep your brain healthy, according to a report from the World Council on Brain Health. Nevertheless, there are bad habits that should be abandoned, as they negatively affect the functioning of the brain. Recommendations from an expert.

Today, many of our habits that are considered normal can wreak havoc on the brain. The normal functioning of the brain is threatened by such aspects of modern life as technology, diet and even the rhythm of life itself. All this leads to undesirable consequences, we spend more effort on the thought process, which limits the possibilities for the emergence of original ideas.

Being optimistic can help keep your brain healthy, according to a report by the World Council on Brain Health. Based on this, it is easy to put everything together and understand what can irritate the brain over and over again. For example, a study from the University of Montreal found that eating a lot of saturated fat has a negative effect on the brain, as it damages the circuits responsible for motivation.

You can easily reverse these or other changes by simply giving up some of your habits. Expert psychologist in neuro-coaching and one of the authors of Secrets of Your Brain, Hemma Sala, explains which habits need to be changed and gives tips on how to do it.

1. Sedentary lifestyle

It may seem incredible today, but for millions of years, when people lived in the African savannas, on average, they walked 30 kilometers a day. “In recent centuries, and especially since the industrial revolution, we have started to sit or stand still for hours. Today we see the consequences both physically and morally and emotionally,”explains the expert.

According to a study by Nicholas Michel, the structure of specific neurons changes due to a sedentary lifestyle. In particular, insufficient physical activity leads to a deterioration in brain activity.

Due to a sedentary lifestyle, the structure of specific neurons changes and brain activity deteriorates. “Regular exercise has been proven to be very beneficial for brain function. During movement, endorphins, known as natural pain relievers, are released to help the body withstand the stress. As a result, the physical and psychological condition is significantly improved,”the expert said.

In addition, through exercise, hence the pumping of blood by the heart, the brain receives more oxygen, which increases its performance. As the expert notes, "in addition, the neurotrophic factor of the brain is activated, a substance that stimulates the development of neurons, which, of course, has a beneficial effect."

2. Doing several things at the same time

How many times do we use a mobile phone while doing something else? However, the execution of several tasks at the same time is not monitored in any way. Doing two things at the same time only makes it difficult for the brain.

“Doing several things at the same time comes with a certain cost. In English, this is called "switching costs". Every time, even distracted by milliseconds by something else, we stop doing the first thing. Therefore, when we return to it, then a loss occurs. you have to go back a little to start from where the switch took place,”says Hemma Sala.

In addition, this habit leads to the production of stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. As a result, the brain is overstimulated, making it difficult to collect your thoughts.

3. Always stay connected

From early morning until late at night on social networks, the brain is exposed to a huge amount of stimuli. Dozens of emails, a string of messenger messages, news feeds and notifications are constantly getting attention.

“The main and most disturbing consequence of overstimulation of the brain is the effect it has on attention. It is imperative, in particular, to make the right decisions, plan and influence the people around us. To resolve these issues, the brain must be focused, and for this it is necessary to concentrate our attention completely and completely,”explains the expert, her attention is focused.

Among the ways that help the brain process information is mental involvement. “Thanks to her, we choose those things to which the brain should pay attention. Otherwise, we become a victim of circumstances, like a sailboat that obeys the movement of waves. We must learn to manage the waves, and not just survive so as not to drown,”the expert explains.

4. Live glued to the screen

For the first time in the history of mankind, we spend so much time in front of the screen. We sit for hours at a computer, with a tablet and a mobile phone, and also watch TV. They have already become a way of maintaining communication. However, according to a study from the University of Michigan, memory and cognition improve in just ten minutes of face-to-face interaction.

Plus, because of the screen, we can't really rest. “When we look at the screen, our eyes are under the influence of a stream of photons, which transmits an impulse to the brain. Receiving all these rays of light slows down the secretion of melatonin,”the psychologist warns.

5. Sleep five to six hours

One of the key points to keep in mind is good sleep, which has a positive effect on brain activity. It is during sleep that memories are created and unnecessary information is erased. As Hemma Sala explains, "The process is like emptying a mailbox."

However, this is not all. While we sleep, difficult problems are unconsciously solved and, in addition, creative ideas appear. “Scientists recently discovered that toxic proteins and other waste products are flushed out of the brain during sleep. If these substances accumulate, they can damage neurons. A compelling argument for getting enough sleep and keeping your brain healthy. Currently, it is believed that you need to sleep from seven to nine hours,”recommends Hemma Sala.

How to make your brain happy?

In conclusion, exercise, processing information, turning off one or more digital devices during the day, and getting good sleep are essential habits for maintaining brain health. However, this is not all. “Besides, we need time to do nothing. It is difficult for us, the representatives of the Western world, to do nothing, we always need to do something. In addition, I would also note the role of nutrition, it is worth adhering to the Mediterranean diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as legumes and fish,”the expert explains.

Another important aspect for improving brain function and function is being optimistic. “According to the latest research in positive psychology, there is a five-to-one ratio for brain health, which is five positive thoughts to one negative. Difficult task, but you can learn it!”Concluded Hemma Sala.