5 Daily Check-Ins For a Happier You

Dr. Daniel Amen is a special guest we've had the pleasure of having on Better Together a few times now and every time we learn something new! He shared with us his expertise on the brain and how we should care for it like we care for our other organs. When we don’t take care of our brain, our bodies will often manifest symptoms such as fatigue, lack of focus, and forgetfulness just to name a few. Here are five daily checks-ins to take into consideration to care for your brain and also guarantee a happier you!

1) Get enough sleep

This is one of the most important takeaways from this list because sleep is the foundation to having a healthy brain. We often take sleep for granted. In fact sleep plays a huge role in how the body functions daily. Sleep plays the role of a housekeeper in the sense that when the body is asleep, the brain is able to reset itself and release toxins that were accumulated throughout the day. Without proper sleep on a regular basis, one could go psychotic! Dr. Daniel says getting proper sleep can help improve your mood, meaning it can lead to a happier you. 

2) Be active

Staying active helps stimulate the brain and keep it functioning properly. This doesn’t mean you have to run a 5k. Being active could simply mean doing daily stretches or taking long strolls. Maintaining daily activity in your routine can help with emotional balance as well as reduce stress and anxiety.

3) Take deep breaths

Despite how simple this gesture can be it can have a huge impact on the brain. Dr. Daniel says taking slow deep breaths oxygenates the brain while also helps release stress. Without oxygenating the brain, pressure can build and lead to constriction, and as a side effect leads to stress.  

4) Avoid loneliness

No matter whether you’re an introvert or extrovert everyone needs a community. Interacting with others helps reduce cognitive decline and also reduces the risk of dementia. Surrounding yourself with a healthy community of people will guarantee you a healthier brain and a happier you!  

5) Eat healthy foods for your brain

Our brains require certain nutrients in order to function properly. Some foods that are good for the brain are avocado and salmon. Both foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fat is healthy for the brain because it helps replenish the natural omega-3 fatty acids that make up the brain. Dr. Daniel says eating foods that help the brain helps increase productivity rate as well as have a positive impact on mood.

Applying any one of these tips (or all) will lead to significant change on how you live your everyday life. Our brain is the most important organ we have so it’s time we start treating it properly. Interested in learning more about brain health with Dr. Daniel Amen? Check out our episode with him down below!

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Listen to our episode with Dr. Daniel Amen here!

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