Lucie Harrild’s Post

🧠Did you know that simple lifestyle changes can significantly boost your brain's health and cognitive function? Incorporating brain-health-boosting activities into our daily lives isn't just beneficial; it's essential.💪 Research consistently shows that engaging in activities like physical exercise🏋️♀️, maintaining a nutritious diet 🥗, prioritizing sleep 😴, and challenging our brains to learn new skills can have substantial positive effects on our cognitive abilities.  Cognitive reserve, our brain's ability to continue to function in the presence of injury, illness, or extended periods of stress, is increased by specific lifestyle choices. Think about it as your brain's savings plan 💰. These actions can improve memory 🧠💡, enhance problem-solving skills, and even delay the onset of dementia and other brain-related conditions in older adults. As we continue to understand more about how our day-to-day choices affect our brain's health, it becomes increasingly clear that taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can lead to significant long-term benefits. Whether it's opting for a salad over fast food🍔, choosing to walk rather than drive🚶♂️, or learning a new language or instrument 🎸— the power to boost your brain health is in your hands. Let's make those choices count! 💫 For more information on #brainhealth, visit our website longliveyourbrain.com #BrainHealth #BrainHelathMatters #CognitiveFunction #HealthyLifestyle

The other day, I swear my laptop sighed. Yes, you read that right. It didn't beep, it didn't freeze, it sighed. And then, in a voice dripping with digital fatigue, it said, "Another Zoom call? Really?" Okay, maybe it didn't literally talk back, but it sure felt like it. That's when it hit me: If my tech feels this way, how drained must I be? In this hyper-connected era, we're always ON. Emails at midnight, endless video calls, social media notifications buzzing every second. It's no wonder we're facing a digital burnout epidemic. Why a Digital Detox is Not Just Good, but Essential: Mental Clarity: Ever felt foggy after hours of screen time? A break can clear the mist, helping you think sharper and faster. Enhanced Creativity: Distance from screens can spark creativity. Nature, conversations, or even silence can be inspiring. Better Sleep: Blue light from screens can mess with our sleep cycles. A detox can lead to better, deeper sleep. Physical Health: Less screen time can reduce eye strain, improve posture, and even decrease the risk of headaches. Quality Connections: Face-to-face interactions, even if fewer, can be more meaningful than hundreds of digital ones. So, the next time your devices (or your brain) seem to be on the verge of talking back, maybe it's a sign. A sign to shut down, step back, and recharge. Because sometimes, the best way to reboot is to simply unplug. PS- Would love to know, how do You unplug?

🥱 Are you fed up with feeling “tired, but wired”? 😬 The activities we often use to "zone out", like scrolling through social media, playing video games, watching a film or bingeing Netflix have been proven to actually still activate your “attention network” - the part of the brain involved in decision-making. 🤯 This can be why we feel agitated after bingeing a whole series of something, where we feel unproductive, but still not anymore rested! If you truly want to zone out, the key is to let your mind wander, to get into a state where you are "task-negative". 🏃♀️ This phase taps into the default mode network (DMN) of our brains, the part associated with memory, relationships and creativity, such as when you go for a run to “clear your head”, play with your kids in the garden, or walk the dog around the fields. "When we 'disengage', the DMN is switched on and doing useful stuff," neuropsychologist Catherine Loveday; my research team would describe it as 'updating’”. It’s basically a way for your brain to detox, in the same way that your liver and kidneys do for the rest of your body. And why mental ill health, stress and burnout weren’t so prevalent before the popularity and reliance on mobile phones, gaming and hours of tv! So if you’re struggling to relax, try these psychologically-approved tips: 🪟 Gaze out a window, listen to calming or sad music or just breathe through your nose while sitting in a queue, commuting or time without purpose. 🫙 Incorporate a minute of “nothing” into your daily routines, such as watching your dog play, staring at a favourite photo or doing a mundane task – which can yield significant benefits. 🎨 Practise doing nothing, such as lying on a sofa or in bed and staring up at the ceiling, doodling, or going for a walk or run without music or a podcast in your ears. 🤫 Turn on your phone's aeroplane mode for at least one hour a day. Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that doing nothing can actually be more productive as it helps your brain access areas of creativity and goal-setting. 💬 What's your favourite way to unwind and engage your brain? Share in the comments below. Source: https://lnkd.in/dDK78ngB ✍🏾 Solange Uwimana 📸 Getty Images

Help your brain help you. Our brain is easy to take for granted. It functions around the clock whether we are asleep or awake. Today is National Alzheimer's Day. Most everyone has been impacted by knowing someone who has been afflicted by this disease or knows someone who has cared for someone. How you care for your brain routinely can impact how well your brain will function both today and in the future. Ways to care for your brain: 😴 Have a good night's sleep 7-9 hours is ideal (this allows the garbage to be taken out and memories to be laid down. 🍏 Have a healthy diet - we are what we eat. 🏃♂️ Be physically active. Vigorous exercise helps the brain flourish by helping memories and thinking, creating positive neurotransmitters and improving blood flow. 👩🏫 Learn something new - and fail 15% of the time to keep you motivated. 👨👩👧👦 Have good relationships - our brain is wired to connect with others (though I know it doesn't always feel that way). 🧘♂️ Take regular breaks throughout the day - get up and move, be mindful, let your mind wander. I find that a walk outside often sparks my creativity! 😊 Be engaged in the work you do. Lack of engagement harms brain health and worsens memory, focus, sleep, productivity, and self-esteem. You may think being glued to your desk for hours is a must. After all, there is so much to do. Get up, take a break, walk, eat an apple, and say hi to a friend or colleague. Your brain will thank you for it! #alzheimersdisease #brainhealth #corporatewellness #health

🌟🚀Have you ever considered your brain as a fundamental organ of your body that needs attention like all others? "The brain is an organ, just like the heart." Take a moment to seriously contemplate that. Are you providing your brain with the same care and attention that you give to your heart and the rest of your body? Could the actual solution be to start in a place that has been neglected because nobody has stepped up to start this conversation? You pay attention to what you put in your mouth, and you understand the importance of being physically active. But have you ever thought about what drives these processes within your body? At our company, Next Level Neuro, we firmly believe that "Everything above the neck affects everything below the neck." It's a common assumption that our brains will always be there, unaffected. However, why should we reconsider the conversation about brain fitness, and why does it matter? First, science has not yet caught up with the media (which is why I emphasize it). Second, traditionally, brains have been a taboo subject associating the person who comes forward as weak. Many individuals rightfully fear that speaking up about brain health might negatively impact their careers or hinder their chances of promotion. But what if we collectively embraced a healthier approach? What if that became the focal point of our discussions? Consider this slice fact; we are the most sick, depressed, out of shape, anxious, in pain, and self-medicated society ever.  ---> Is this a below-the-neck issue? I think not. What if the solution to all these issues lies in changing the conversation and our approach? The key to addressing these problems often begins above the neck. Your brain functions as the hardware, while your mind acts as the software. What transpires above the neck significantly influences your overall health, extending its impact on the well-being of the rest of your body. We all need a moment to think on this. 🤔💭 #BrainHealth #MentalWellness #PhysicalHealth #MindAndBodyConnection"

🧠✨ Maximising Brain Health: The Power of Routine Breaks ✨🧠 Ever seen those brain scans comparing the activity of individuals who take regular breaks versus those who don't? It's a fascinating glimpse into how our brain functions during periods of rest versus continuous activity. The takeaway? Brains in need of breaks often show patterns resembling inefficient beta waves over extended periods. Yet, despite the clear benefits, the challenge with breaks is multifaceted: 💡 **Internal Dialogue:** Our inner critic can be a formidable opponent, convincing us that we simply can't afford to pause. "If I stop now, this won't get done..." Sound familiar? 💼 **What to Do:** So, what's the remedy? It starts with movement—shift your legs, stretch your spine, and expand your ribs. And don't forget to anchor yourself with intentional breathwork, bringing focus and clarity to the present moment. 🌿 **Where to Go:** Creating space for rejuvenation is key. Step away from your desk, from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Find solace in environments that naturally soothe the mind, allowing your need to problem-solve to gently recede. Remember, prioritising breaks isn't just about productivity; it's about nurturing our brain health and overall well-being. So, give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and recharge. Your brain—and your body—will thank you for it. ✨

WHY “TEXTING NECK” IS KILLING YOUR CONFIDENCE SLEEP, BRAIN HEALTH & PERFORMANCE https://lnkd.in/e6nDe9ZA "Discover the hidden culprit behind your diminishing confidence, disrupted sleep, and declining brain health: 'Texting Neck.' This modern-day syndrome, stemming from prolonged Smartphone use, not only affects your posture but also impacts your overall well-being and performance. Uncover how this seemingly innocuous habit could be silently sabotaging your life, and learn crucial tips to reclaim your vitality and confidence." https://lnkd.in/eszwnDgZ

Changes to sleeping patterns after brain injury can be due to a number of reasons. This video provides information around the types of sleep problems that survivors may experience and outlines the tips that could help. Watch now: https://lnkd.in/g4JraG8C #SameYouCharity #sleepissuesafterbraininjury #oxforduniversity

Habits are Harming Your Brain! 🚨🧠 It's a fact - our daily habits can have a serious impact on our brain health. Listening to music for too long, slacking off, leading a sedentary lifestyle, having too much screen time on social media, not getting enough sleep and consuming too much sugar are all habits that harm the brain. But don't worry, there are steps you can take to improve your brain health. 💪🏻👉🏻Start by setting achievable goals and creating a schedule that prioritizes healthy habits. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine and limit screen time. Get enough restful sleep each night and reduce your sugar intake. So let's take action together! Let's prioritize our brain health by adopting healthy habits today. 💪🏼 #BrainHealthMatters #HealthyHabits #TakeActionNow