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
- 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.
- For more detail, see Top Ten Brain Boosting Foods
Short-circuiting Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs)
- 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.
- Try ABRA: Acknowledge the thought, Breathe, Release the thought, Align with a positive thought.
Exercise
- 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
- 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
- Surrounding yourself with happy, positive people helps keep you happy and positive!
A clean environment
- 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
- 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.
- If you are not sleeping well, or not sleeping enough, that is a priority problem.
- For more detail, see Sleep Hygiene
Protective headgear
- Your brain is your most precious asset, so wearing a helmet makes sense!
Learning new things
- The brain loves variety and thrives on new challenges!
Managing stress
- 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!
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