For many of us (you know who you are!) a busy life gets in the way of optimal self care.
Some overextend themselves and spread their precious time and energy way too thin. When this happens, we can often rely more heavily on caffeine or sugar in order to boost brain power and energy levels just to get through the day.
When you feel depleted, I encourage you stop and listen to what your extraordinary body is trying to tell you - it's asking choose different ways of being.
The good news is that it doesn't take much to boost your brain and support your energy levels and mental wellbeing each day. Here are three suggestions for you to consider trying:
1. Up the Purple When it comes to brain health, the purple-red, blue and black coloured fruits and vegetables have brain protecting properties – we're talking berries, eggplants, blackcurrants, plums, red cabbage and black beans. These are packed full of a substances called anthocyanins, which have potent antioxidant properties and are protective of the brain.
2. Prioritise your Sleep Many people sacrifice shut eye in order to squeeze more into their day, yet productivity can decline significantly when we’re sleep deprived. If you struggle with your sleep, consider avoiding caffeine after midday and limit alcohol, as both are disruptive when it comes to quality sleep. Adding magnesium or ashwagandha supplementation to your pre-bedtime routine can also make a big difference. Blue light from screens in the evenings can also inhibit the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin, in the brain. A good rule of thumb is to avoid screens two hours before bedtime.
3. Move it, Move it! We know that exercise is good for cardiovascular health but did you know that all types of movement can benefit the brain, particularly contralateral movements (using opposite arms and legs, like when we walk) as it enhances left/right brain integration.
Moving also boosts brain health and mood, stimulating blood flow around the body, transporting oxygen and nutrients to the brain and increasing a substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the survival and growth of brain cells. If you struggle to make time to exercise regularly, look for opportunities to move more throughout your day, no matter how small. For example, take a walk around the block during your lunch break, take the stairs instead of lifts or escalators, park a little further from work. Little changes can make a big difference.
If you'd like assistance in enhancing your overall wellness, book a Kinesiology session and we can tailor a unique program to suit your needs and lifestyle: