6 Practices to Maintain a Healthy Brain

Did you know that the key to good health starts with your brain?

Having a healthy brain is important for students who want to be successful, however; brain health also plays a critical role in almost everything we do including: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing, and even sleeping.

Having and maintaining a healthy brain can benefit your well being in so many ways, not only today, but tomorrow, as well. A healthy brain can help build positivity, intelligence, physical fitness, and prevent senile dementia. By practicing the six guidelines below in your daily life you will be a healthier, happier, more successful student and person. 

1. Ensure Proper Diet and Nutrition
- You can get essential nutrients in your diet through eating eggs, soy, and peanuts. Some recommended supplements include: Omega 3, Vitamin D3 (with Vitamin K), lots of B6, zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and calcium with magnesium.
- Avoid toxic substances-drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins
- Keep weight low and avoid high fat foods and sugars

2. Exercise
- Aerobic exercise 30 minutes per day to stave off Alzheimer’s and senile dementia

• Aerobic exercise 1 hour per day to build new brain cells

3. Challenge Your Brain!

• Learn a new sport
• Learn a new subject matter
• Play thinking games or mind puzzles
• Practice memorizing new things
• Do both crossword puzzles and solitaire, varying the learning is key!

4. Avoid Head Injuries and Head Trauma
- Avoid contact sports (football, boxing, etc.)
- Wear helmets for ALL biking, skate boarding, rollerblading, etc.
- Always wear your seat belt!

5. Get Plenty of Sleep
- Get at least 6 hours of sleep every night
- Don’t sleep more than 8 hours

• Approximately 7.5 hours is optimal for most adults

6. Love and Nurture

• Take care of yourself! Treat yourself to loving thoughts and treat your body with LOVE
• Nurture yourself by sharing basic human love

Now that you have the basic guidelines to building and maintaining a healthy brain you can start implementing them into your daily routine. See the difference in your perspective and look forward to becoming a healthier, happier, more successful individual and student. 

Diane “Sunny” Goodwin, of Sunny Day Tutoring Services, Oceanside, is a Master Teacher, Educational Consultant, Diagnostician and Curriculum Developer. She is fully credentialed with 43 years of teaching expertise in many subjects and grade levels, Pre-K through 12 and adults.

She can be reached at (760) 439-0136. For more educational tips follow Sunny on Facebook or Twitter.