Brain Says “No”

Because I can do that, I can actually forget about what I was thinking midway through thinking about it. It is that bad. Now there is some science behind it but there are also things that we can do too. Yes sometimes you just can’t fight science and aging but there are things we can try to make it easier on ourselves, give yourself a kick-start. So this is what we are aiming to do here.

Now somethings that we need to remember (ironically) is that the more hectic the brain is, the less it has the ability to function. So we need to try and enable our brains to function at its absolute finest.

Here are a few tips on that, and trust me these have been tried and tested:

 

1. Self-care

No time to read or go to the gym? Have you ever heard of speculate to accumulate? Sometimes you need a Ctrl-Alt-Del. Invest in your well-being and see how much more productive you can be when you give yourself time to recharge. Running on empty is counterproductive. The best gift you can give yourself is knowing what energises you.

2. Write

This doesn’t have to be in any form that other people will read. It’s like a ‘brain dump’. If we have too many thoughts/to-do lists roaming around, there is less space. The cathartic process of writing down what is plaguing your head-space means that you no longer have to give it that space. It can also order your thoughts and help create clarity.

3. Eat Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is rich in Polyphenols, which are plant compounds that have a multitude of health benefits, including reductions in blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol and stress levels (to name a few) contributing to good gut flora. Polyphenols can’t always be digested by human cells as they aren’t absorbed efficiently, most make their way to the colon, where they can be digested by gut bacteria.

4. Sleep

I really struggle with insomnia and then overheating in the night - Oh hot flushes, how unwelcome you are! Taking supplements to help you sleep are great but regularly have the brain fog after effects the next day. Firstly, invest in good pillows and sleepwear that will aid keeping you cool and comfortable. Secondly, try these - Insomnia Cures, tried and tested.

5. Say ‘No’

Stop spreading yourself too thinly. You don’t have to do everything that is asked of you AND you can and should accept help where possible. FOMO? Always being available is not necessary nor is it desired. If you don’t get time to rest you are not giving people your best anyway! Are you being emotionally drained by people who don’t deserve you? Think about what your priorities should be. You have one life and you should make the most of it.

I should point out that caffeine intake is an issue to be managed properly, but I like Espresso Martini’s too much to give that credence. 

 

Now, I am not a scientist, but I am quite good at googling stuff. So here is what I found out for the ‘sciencey’ bit:

 Why does memory decline?

“The exact effect of estrogen and progesterone loss on the brain is not well understood. It’s believed that estrogen may help the neurotransmitter systems that send signals in brain areas involved in memory and information processing. Many researchers also think that estrogen promotes the growth and survival of neurons, the cells that send electrical impulses. These impulses serve as messages that are crucial for making your brain and nervous system work properly.”  Healthline.com

 

It’s a change in priorities.

Focus on what you are better at and realise that you are learning to care less about what doesn’t matter…

“Early in our 40s, we may start to notice it’s harder to remember things, like where we left our car keys. But researchers say this decline in memory may not really be a decline at all. Rather, they say it may be the result of a change in what information the brain focuses on during memory formation and retrieval.” www.futurity.org

 

  

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Disclaimer: Information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice