Healthy Brain, Healthy Thoughts.

Healthy Brain, Healthy Thoughts?

A healthy brain equals healthy thoughts, that makes it seem so easy right?  It’s not! As a young adult and now as a mother I have struggled with being overweight.  I know what it’s like to be an emotional eater and what it feels like to give into the temptation of the Tim Tam or the extra piece of toast.  Or perhaps it’s the pizza and late-night drink?  Whatever your drug of choice is, I’m sure we can all relate to the last-minute dive into our cravings.

Did you notice the word ‘drug’ above?  Maybe you didn’t but if you did its likely because it caused a reaction within.  So often we go through life in survival mode and rely on certain foods or comforts to help us get through.  With my hand raised, I can say that when things get tough, I reach for the chocolate.  Maybe you are someone who prefers to go for drinks with friends, or maybe you are someone who loves to run and run until you can’t anymore. Either way, we all have that ‘thing’ that brings us comfort when we need it most. 

When does that ‘thing’ become unhealthy?  You may have heard the phrase, “enjoy everything in moderation.” Therefore, a run and drinks with friends, Tim Tams and cake can all be good for you in the right context.  It’s when our thoughts change from “I enjoy this” to “I NEED this,” that we may need to consider what is and isn’t helping us.  

For many years I worked in a hospital providing support and education to families with loved ones who were losing their memory.  Some patients would come into the clinic nervous; some would come in with bottles of medication and others would bring lists of Vitamins they hoped would improve their brain health. However, in response to everyone’s efforts, most of the doctors would simply encourage ‘Healthy Happiness,’ otherwise known as a little bit of everything in moderation.

The Mediterranean Diet is often recommended by specialists.  Dementia Australia state that “several studies have demonstrated benefits of the Mediterranean diet for good heart and brain health. People who adhere to this diet have been found to have a lower risk of developing dementia, and to have slower decline if they already have cognitive impairment or dementia. The Mediterranean diet includes plenty of vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, some fruit and fish, olive oil and small amounts of meat.”

I have learned through my own personal experiences that when I am eating well, exercising, and ensuring I am mindful that my Mental Health also benefits.  So, even though we may not want to hear it, it’s true.  We need healthy foods, fresh air, and exercise to give our brain what it needs to be WELL. Simply put, our brain needs us to move, its needs vitamins, minerals, and connection.  We often read about what our bodies need but our brain needs so much too. 

I like to think of our bodies as cars and our brains as the motor of the car.  For example, my body is a BMW x5 or you may prefer a trustworthy Kia Carnival…hehe.  Jokes aside, using visualisation helps you prioritise Brain Health which is something I am so passionate about. Not only does your body need work but your motor needs to be tuned regularly.  In the mental health space this looks like checking in with a mental health professional, perhaps chatting with your GP or a close friend.  Its being vulnerable. Without regular tune ups, our brains become tired and overwhelmed.  Thinking can become difficult and in time imbalances begin. 

So, when you are booking your car in for its next service, consider checking your brain health also.