A healthy lifestyle supports a healthy brain. But if overhauling your day-to-day routine seems like a daunting feat, the addition of micro habits—tiny choices and actions you make throughout your day—can provide an easier place to start. It’ll also help you build a strong foundation to support your brain health and overall well-being.
Start your day with a glass of water
The brain depends on proper hydration to function at its best. Since many of us wake up in the morning dehydrated, keeping a glass of water by your bed to help kickstart your body and your morning can set you up to continue proper hydration habits throughout the day.
Try a quick workout
Getting your body moving for just five to 10 minutes of exercise each day can get your blood pumping, improve your mood, and make you more likely to exercise more often and for longer periods.
Quick activities to get your heart pumping
- Dance to an upbeat song or two.
- Take a jog around the block.
- Take your dog for a brisk walk.
Ease into meditation
Research has shown that meditation provides a wide range of health benefits, including easing
- anxiety
- depression
- sleep problems
- tension headaches
If you find it difficult to quiet your mind and meditate for long periods of time—or even small periods of time, start with one-minute meditations and slowly increase this over a set period of time.
Choose a quick brain-loving snack
When it comes to your brain, choosing the right foods can slow brain aging by an estimated 7.5 years and reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Small tweaks to your diet can help you on your way to sustainable lifestyle change.
Brain-boosting pick-me-ups
The next time you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, reach for one of these easy brain-friendly foods.
- walnuts and almonds
- Greek yogurt
- avocado
- apple
- blueberries and strawberries
- green tea
Try it!
While you sleep, your brain performs a number of important functions, like consolidating and storing memories and clearing abnormal proteins, that help to boost overall brain health. Try leaving your phone outside of your room while you sleep (to eliminate the lure of your blue light-emitting (and melatonin-hampering) device). It’s a small action that can set you up for more restful, regular sleep—and a healthier brain.
Are you going to try and make one change? Share with us on Instagram and Facebook @deliciouslivingmag. You’ll find plenty of support within our community of like-minded wellness enthusiasts!
