From recent studies and research it has been proved and justified that an individual can improve their brain through the use of health related measures, which ensure that the chemical balance and functionality of the brain are at their optimum level. Some of the causes of lowered mental capabilities especially sharpness come with the increase in age or instances of disease; which the victims in the different cases think that it is a mere phase in getting older or consequences of the disease, despite the unexplainable current levels of brain deterioration. However the factors that can be attributed to the constantly deteriorating brain functionality and capacities include the susceptibility of the contemporary advanced society; poor diet and lifestyles in general and smoking. Other factors leading to brain deterioration include ecological contaminants which damage fragile brain cells; and the high levels of stress associated with contemporary living. Further causes of brain deterioration include the use of pharmaceutical drugs which are administered to patients, and the current high levels of alcohol consumption. One of the brain deterioration complications that have become so common, that it is currently accepted as a diseases associated with the elderly is Altzheimers (Amen 31-56).
A healthy brain does not only improve the memory and concentration but also reduces the danger of Alzheimer and other infections that can affect man. In focusing on the enhancement of one’s mental health; it is of a valuable significance as it defends one from situations that may expose you to dementias, helps enhance memory levels; and at the same time sharpening attentiveness capabilities. It is further important to note that every activity one engages in, shapes their brain and intellectual capabilities. It is also clear that when one reads a book or engages in a chat; the practice causes physical modification in the brain (Amen 31-56).
To start with it is advisable that you engage in doing ‘neurobic’ exercises that reinforce neutral pathways. This is the case because certain cognitive exercises and mind games generate associations that are helpful in connecting different brain parts. Neurobic exercises include; getting dressed or having a shower in the dark or changing what you normally put on from one side to the other. An illustration in this case is shifting a bracelet or watch from the wrist often used to the opposite one. Another instance is using the hand not often used, when brushing teeth or engaging in the preparation of dishes that you may not have prepared before (Amen 31-56).
To start with, smelling of scented materials like the sandalwood is vital as it raises memory levels. Natural scents make a straight pathway to the human brain and research carried out shows that; a number of chemical constituents of aromatherapy oils mainly sesquiterpenes can move across blood-brain blockade boosting oxygen flow to the brain. Increased oxygen levels improve energy; help develop affirmative moods as well as aiding in learning and boosting the disease protective function of the human body. Sandalwood and frankincense are mainly effectual at rising oxygen level in the brain, which is quit healthy for the brain function. Aromatherapy also plays a vital role in the human body, as it helps lower stress levels which help boost the brains functionality and health. This is why it is advisable for one to appreciate natural scents such as those of plants for they are helpful to one’s brain health (Botton123-147).
In order to keep your brain healthy, it is advisable to limit your alcohol consumption so as to maintain your brain being ‘big’. Most of the people engage in consumption of more alcohol than required which by so doing they endanger their brain health. Consumption of a lot of alcohol lowers the human brain volume, which deteriorates the brain’s functioning. From research it has been concluded that low to average levels of alcohol usage help in the fortification of one’s health from heart related ailments; though high levels of intake decrease the brain’s size. High alcohol usage is the intake of 14 or more drinks in a week; average intake level ranging around 8 to 14 within the same duration; while a low usage is the intake of below 7 drinks in the same time span. In order to improve the brain health, one should reduce and maintain alcohol consumption to a minimum level for heavy consumption of alcohol is hazardous to the human brain’s health (Botton123-147).
To improve brain heath is quite noteworthy that one does the tango, as it fortifies cognitive abilities. An activity like dancing is friendly to the body’s health for it involves body movement. From the body moves applied in dancing like the twists and turns; a fortification of brain links takes place. An activity like mastering the cha-cha-cha fosters brain cells development, while on the other hand developing cognitive abilities in real world applications. From studies it is evident that exercises defend the brain from biological pollutants by acting against the free radical and reduced inflammation actions; within the body’s chemical imbalance. When children engage in body exercise, their brain cells grows faster than for those who are dormant to engage in body exercises like playing. Physical action as an ethical consideration is one of the finest ways to support the increase of new brain cells, as well as lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s (Permutter et.al. 145-167).
It is also worth noting that it is good for one to try something which sharpens concentration; as an active brain slows the mental reduction that comes with age. A lifetime of high-quality mental behavior pays off, as being active is good for an individual’s brain health especially for the people who are quit inquisitive at their childhood ages are more likely to be mentally active and remain so as they age. With a little effort in practice, even people who are in their 70’s and 80’s make dramatic improvements in their brain health using the ethical considerations of being in a good mood and active most of the time (Permutter et.al. 145-167).
Additionally; as the brain needs rest just like all other active parts of the body just like machines; sleeping is vital in boosting memory levels. This is the case because the brain needs enormous amounts of energy to function appropriately, achieve improved memory capability and processing of information. As an effort to enhance the brain; it is vital to get a few minutes sleep during the day but at the same time avoid naps, as they make one lose sleep during the night. To make sure you improve in general brain health it’s good to go to bed at the required time; be active but also avoid engaging in exercises during the evening hours of the day for this keeps you awake during sleeping hours. As a result it is good to listen to some music or reading a book before going to bed; as this is useful in enhancing memory levels which are also achievable through a proper dietary choice where one takes only healthy food; takes light servings at night; and at the same time avoids sleep depriving substances like caffeine. The food that someone takes should be carefully chosen in order to have a healthy body, which is important in the development of sound brain functionality (Permutter et.al. 145-167).
As a move to improve brain health, it is important for one to reduce their exposure to neurotoxins. Food spices and additions; injurious chemicals taken in food or other forms, and chemically imbalanced compounds are injurious to the brain’s function as well as to the wellbeing of the whole body in general. It should also be considered that the fumes of vehicles and fuel burning machines should be avoided, as they deteriorate brain functionality in general. It is conclusive that it is not practical to fully eradicate pollution from the surroundings; but actions and procedures to cut down on pollution should be employed. As a measure to check this, natural scents, whole food stuffs, pure ingredients, and fresh air which help develop one’s brain functionality and at the same time improving attentiveness levels should be encouraged (Nussbaum 45-49).
Brain health is also improved through striving for variety where one should not rely on only one activity, food, or supplement towards the improvement of the brain function. As an alternative, one should participate in different practices in life which helps keep the brains always alert; by taking or engaging in a number of or a variety of exercises. For instance you can engage in taking kids for mountaineering particularly if you are use to spending time with adults; or take on a run as an alternative to the usual yoga sessions. From research it is evident that the brains just like any other body parts need practice, as it is clear that the more you test it the better and stronger it becomes (Johnson 45-57).
Socialization with others is very crucial for through talking and exchange of ideas, one boosts their memory and cognitive skills. In doing this, visiting friends and neighbors for a chat is of importance as doing a puzzle is of a great help to brain health. An illustration in this case, is when having a short- term social interaction with another person lasting for like 10 minutes; the participants’ levels of intellectual performance and contribution are improved from the intellectual practice and challenge (Botton123-147).
The choice to take volunteering as an ethical activity is helpful in lowering stress levels which negatively affect mental functioning. The benefits associated with volunteering are increased mental functioning and enhanced communication skills, as through this an individual is also able to raise their self-esteem which significantly influences the development of brain health. This aspect does this through the effect of that it helps develop confidence and feelings of self-efficacy in individuals (Amen 31-56).
References
Amen, Daniel. “Change your brain, change your body”: Use your brain to get and keep the body you have always wanted, 1st edition. Chatsworth: Harmony Press. (2010): 34-56
Botton, Allain. “Status Anxiety”, first edition. New York: Pantheon Press. (2004): 123-147
Johnson, Mark. “Brain development and cognition”, second edition. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell. (2009): 45-57
Nussbaum, Paul. “Brain health and wellness”. Pennsylvania: Word Association publishers. (2003).45-49
Permutter, David. & Colman, Carol. “The better Brain book”, first edition. New York: Riverhead Publishers. (2004) 145-167