The human brain is a remarkable computer that has around 86 billion neurons.
Neurons are the fundamental unit of our nervous system, controlling everything we do: breathing, walking, feeling, and thinking.
We must care for the brain in order to live a healthy and happy life, but we unintentionally harm the brain by developing bad habits.
Why should you take care of your brain?
Some seemingly harmless daily habits can be so harmful that they cause long-term brain damage.
As I said, the human brain is the most important organ in our bodies, and we often forget that it requires exercise, training, and nutrition to function properly.
A routine is a regular practice on which most of us rely. We frequently need to recognize the cause or its consequences. Thus, developing good habits and avoiding the following bad will help to protect and maintain the brain’s health.
Blasting loud music
We all crave some nice music when we’re working out, walking, or doing mundane tasks like answering emails.
It’s so true that to immerse ourselves in our favorite melodies fully, we invariably turn up the volume.
You should think twice before doing so.
Noise-canceling earphones, which are widely used, can easily damage your hearing.
When your ears become accustomed to a certain volume, you must exert more effort to hear the normal sounds of those around you.
As a result, you can’t store things in your memory quickly enough.
Lack of water
Staying hydrated is essential for healthy brain function in addition to overall health.
According to a study from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, several hours of intense activity in the heat without drinking fluids or eating can impair concentration.
Studies showed that dehydrated people who took attention-to-detail or monotonous tests were the most affected.
Furthermore, complex problem-solving, coordination, and attention were negatively impacted, whereas quick-response activities were not.
Making Binge Eating Your Second Nature
Overeating is simply a bad habit we develop over time that can damage our brains.
It has a physical impact on you that puts you at risk of developing serious health conditions such as obesity, heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which are linked to brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s and others.
According to a study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting, eating too much food has also been linked to an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment or memory loss after a few years.
It’s valid for binging on both healthy and unhealthy foods.
To solve this, you must first be aware of the dangers that overeating exposes you to.
Covering your head when sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered causes increased carbon dioxide concentration and decreased oxygen concentration in the blood.
When there is a lack of oxygen, the brain’s ability to function decreases.
You may experience suffocation and sleep deprivation, resulting in fatigue and drowsiness.
According to this research paper, it’s also one of the actions that may contribute to infant deaths.
As a result, you should always sleep with your head and your baby’s head uncovered.
Watching too many reality shows
You are what you feed the brain.
Reality shows are frequently made-up stories that appear to be true.
Some people are obsessed with watching every episode of a reality show. While they may not realize it, they are gradually but steadily becoming a part of the life they are witnessing.
The problem with this is that you gradually damage your brain without realizing it.
You suddenly develop a fabricated personality and lifestyle. You begin to live a phony life that isn’t truly yours, which causes you to develop mental health issues in the long term.
Spending too much time alone
While we all crave alone time occasionally, socialization is essential for brain health.
Spending too much time alone can be as detrimental to your brain as not getting enough sleep.
When other people constantly surround you, social interaction stimulates your brain.
However, when you are alone all the time, your brain does not receive the same stimulation.
Depression, anxiety, and even dementia can result from this. Make sure you spend time with friends and family regularly if you want to keep your brain healthy.
Spending time in the dark
When you spend too much time in the dark, your brain does not get enough sunlight exposure, which can result in issues such as seasonal affective disorder and depression.
Ensure you get plenty of sunlight daily if you want to keep your brain healthy. Open those shades now and then, and make time to get outside.
Working when sick
When we are overworked, we frequently become ill.
If we continue to work while sick, the brain’s efficacy is bound to suffer dramatically.
It will only worsen the situation.
We know that when we are sick, our brain and body are already working overtime to combat the infection.
Working on a sick day will only make matters worse.
So take a break, relax, and recover.
I wrote another article back in January 2022 which covers the most common brain-damaging habits. Here is the link.
