If you are looking for a fresh start, why not begin by doing a little spring cleaning on your mind? Research has shown that sleep-deprived people handle stress less effectively and that chronic lack of sleep might even contribute to obesity. One study even found that sleep deprivation might even result in serious and lasting brain damage, killing off cells in important regions of the brain. So, if you are trying to refresh your brain, start by getting a good night’s rest. One study found that being fit early in life at age 25 is linked to better cognitive abilities during middle age. Another study revealed that people who were in poor physical shape in middle age experienced a greater loss of brain volume in older age than did those who were very fit at age 40. Studies have also demonstrated that exercise can indeed make people smarter. Those who exercise do better on mental tests, have better memories and are better at paying attention. Fatty acids are also essential for proper brain function since they help protect the brain and aid in oxygenation. Fish, nuts, and seeds are good sources of these fatty acids. Studies have found a huge range of benefits including lowering stress, improving memory, better sleep, and better attention. One study found that the brain is able to process certain types of information better during meditation and that letting your mind wander during meditation may be one of the best ways to reduce stress and increase concentration. If you want to reap some of these many advantages, consider becoming one of the more than 45 million people in the United States who practice meditation. Mindfulness meditation is one of the most effective types of mediation. Start by developing a stress relief plan that suits your life. Identify your sources of stress and think about some of the things you can do to minimize or cope with such pressure. You can also explore some quick stress relief techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation. These are just a few things you can do to help keep your brain in tip-top shape.
