Top Ten Brain Friendly Behaviors

This information comes from many brilliant sources, and was put into the Top Ten format by Jim Kwik, the memory & learning expert.  Here’s my summary:

A brain boosting diet

1. Whole foods, lots of fresh vegetables, healthy fats, small amounts of clean protein, and lots of water… we hear it all the time; the trick is to make it the rule rather than the exception.  A good diet routine is your number one resource for staying healthy and happy from the cradle to the grave.
2. For more detail, see Top Ten Brain Boosting Foods

Short-circuiting Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs)

1. We all self-sabotage to some degree with unconscious negative messages; any mechanism that helps re-program these is a powerful tool for a happier brain and a happier life.
2. Try ABRA: Acknowledge the thought, Breathe, Release the thought, Align with a positive thought.

Exercise

1. Beyond all the other reasons to exercise, it’s the number one way to promote production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that’s been described as “Miracle-Gro for the brain.”

Brain-boosting nutrients

1. Most of us are deficient in both Omega 3s and minerals, which are proven essentials for a healthy brain and memory.  Intelligent individual-specific supplementation can make all the difference.

A positive peer group

1. Surrounding yourself with happy, positive people helps keep you happy and positive!

A clean environment

1. This is healthy for us internally and externally: eat a clean diet, and do your best to avoid toxins in your environment.  Body care and cleaning products are a great place to start.

Sleep

1. Protect your sleep, protect your brain!  Sleep is when the body has a chance to repair, rebuild and restore from the work of the day.  It’s also when short term memories are encoded into long term memory.
2. If you are not sleeping well, or not sleeping enough, that is a priority problem.
3. For more detail, see Sleep Hygiene

Protective headgear

1. Your brain is your most precious asset, so wearing a helmet makes sense!

Learning new things

1. The brain loves variety and thrives on new challenges!

Managing stress

1. We are not built to sustain the kind of long term, chronic stress that most of us – even children! – experience as a daily reality.  Find anything that works for you as a regular practice: a daily walk, a short yoga routine, prayer and meditation, a check-in with a trusted friend – anything that lets you off-load and renew your connection to your inner power.   It’s a “pick-me-up” that does you a world of good!