Samuel Okoruwa
The brain is the most powerful organ in the human body. It communicates with every other organ in the body and sends signals for them to function appropriately. Even at death, it is the last organ to shut down which notifies health practitioners that a person is “clinically dead”.
This is why you need to take good care of your brain and ensure that it is always functioning at an optimal level. Unknown to you,there might be several habits you might be indulging in that can alter the chemistry of your brain and significantly cause you harm. In this article, we explore 10 of such habits and why you should drop them today:
1. Listening To Loud Noises
For people who live in urban cities, loud noises are daily phenomenon due to the high degree of industralisation and technology. These noises can take their toll on the ears in the long run and in return affect the brain.
Studies have found that people who have impaired hearing are at a high risk of cognitive decline. Constant exposure to noise – car honks, generator sounds, loud music, and even headphones – is leading to an alarming increase of people with hearing problems.Thes hearing problems can cause you to lose brain tissue ultimately leading to cognitive decline.
Try as much to keep your earphone volume at a maximum of 50% and ensure to take breaks from your them from time to time. Also, it is not a bad idea to adopt the use of ear plugs as this will help protect your ears from loud noises in your surroundings.
2. Sugar
Research has shown time and again that sugar can affect your body in diverse ways and the brain is not left out. If you want your brain to keep functioning effectively, cut down your daily intake of sugary foods and instead opt for a more healthy diet.
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3. Lack of Brain-Boosting Activities
Though genetics and age have a role to pay in the productivity of the brain, there are several activities that can still improve brain productivity significantly. Some of these activities (reading, solving puzzles, exercise, playing an instrument…) do not only boost brain power but can also delay the onset of dementia.
4. Staying In The Dark
Some people love the dark because it seems more intimate and may be a more productive time for them. However, staying in the dark for too long can result in depression which can ultimately lead to cognitive decline. Take breaks sometimes to enjoy natural sunlight as it will not only provide you with Vitamin D and but also boost your overall mood.
5. Excessive Alcohol Usage
Taking a beer or glass of wine from time to time is never a bad idea. In fact, moderate use of alcohol can help relieve tension and can even reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Alcohol becomes a problem, however, when it is taking in excess. This can lead to Vitamin B1 and magnesium deficiency. Those who are deficient in these nutrients may experience confusion, memory loss, depression, irritability, and a decrease in mental awareness.
6. Covering Your Head While Sleeping
Surprisingly, this seemingly harmless habit can actually have adverse effects on the brain in the long run. When you cover your brain during sleep, you reduce the amount of the oxygen that enters your brain. Research suggests that a lack of oxygen to the brain increases the risk for dementia and alzheimer’s disease. .
7. Dehydration
About 70-80% of the human brain is made up of water. Lack of sufficient water can cause it to shrink in volume which can in turn lead to headaches or migraines. Studies show that mild dehydration can alter brain function in a day and affect your performance in a day. The good news is that once a person starts drinking adequate amounts of water, these effects are reversed almost immediately.
8. Smoking
In addition to cancer, smoking can also decrease the cerebral cortex of the brain, causing significant damage such as memory loss and problems with thinking.
9. Multitasking
When you do too many things at a time, you put pressure on your brain’s grey matter and cause it to shrink. This shrinkage can lead to problems such as anxiety, irritability, and lack of emotional control. This is why it is important to avoid multitasking to not only stay productive but preserve the power of your brain.
10. Working While Sick
Because many of us have goals to achieve, we put a lot of time into working and studying. Sometimes this can go as far as working while sick or recovering from an illness. When you’re sick, your brain focuses all its attention on getting you to heal. But when you give your brain other things to work on, you put pressure on it as it can’t do the two things at the same time. Always try to take out time to take care of your health when sick before you get back to work.
Which habit surprised you the most? Tell us in the comment section below. Also, endeavor to share this post with friends and loved ones. You may just be helping someone get rid of brain-damaging habits!
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