Contents:
- Medical Video: Boost your brain power from these exercises of Yoga for SSC CGL, CHSL, Railway preparation
- What are the consequences if we do not maintain brain cognitive function?
- How do brain cognitive functions work?
- Some habits that can improve cognitive function of the brain
- 1. Physical activity
- 2. Regulate diet and nutritional intake
- 3. Participate in activities that trigger creativity
- 4. Learn new things
- 5. Get enough sleep
- 6. Stay in touch with social connections
- 7. Regulate stress
Medical Video: Boost your brain power from these exercises of Yoga for SSC CGL, CHSL, Railway preparation
Cognitive function is an important factor in determining the quality of one's life. In fact, optimal cognitive abilities or the ability to think are not only needed by young people, but throughout their ages. Even in the elderly, the ability to think will determine the level of dependence on the help of others.
What are the consequences if we do not maintain brain cognitive function?
The brain is the most important organ of our body because various bodily functions are controlled by the brain. Cognitive function is very dependent on brain health which is characterized by the brain's ability to process various stimuli from the surrounding environment, including to learn new things, follow intuition, perform judgments, language skills, and the ability to remember.
The brain's ability can decrease if it rarely receives and processes stimuli, or in other words if we rarely use the brain to think. Brain function will decrease if it rarely processes the stimulus, even more so if it is not used to think optimally, because it can cause a decrease in function with age.
How do brain cognitive functions work?
The brain consists of two parts; big brain (cerebrum) and the cerebellum (cerebellum) each of which functions to process the stimulus. The brain will actually work and experience increased function if all parts of the brain participate in processing the stimulus. This will only happen when we do activities that encourage us to actively move, search, and learn new things in three dimensions in the real world. Playing a game in front of the screen to "sharpen the brain" might give a little positive effect, but it won't help improve brain function.
Some habits that can improve cognitive function of the brain
Our habits will determine how much the brain performs and determine whether it can improve brain cognitive function. Here are some daily routines that you can do to improve brain cognitive function:
1. Physical activity
When doing physical activity, there are several mechanisms that can affect one's cognitive function. With physical activity, the brain will work optimally by producing protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which helps increase blood flow to the brain. This will prevent damage to brain cells so that they can prevent strokes and help in the formation of new brain cells. Thus, brain function will increase and maintain the ability to remember the brain. Things have been supported by one research which shows that children who are active in physical activity will have better academic abilities.
2. Regulate diet and nutritional intake
The brain is an organ that needs the most energy to carry out its functions properly. About 20% of the body's energy will be spent by the brain to do great work. Meeting the needs of glucose and carbohydrates will provide enough energy for the brain to perform its functions. This type of complex carbohydrate will be better consumed because it will produce more durable energy.
Some nutrients that have a positive effect on brain cognitive functions include:
- Vitamin - types of vitamin B12 and vitamin D can affect central nervous system function and development. The lack of these two vitamins will increase the risk for memory loss and decreased thinking ability.
- Iron - This type of mineral helps blood distribute oxygen throughout the body including the brain. Iron deficiency will be more at risk for women who experience menstruation or mothers who are pregnant.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - is part of omega-3 which acts as an essential brain-forming ingredient because our bodies cannot produce it themselves. Adequate intake of DHA or omega-3 will help slow the decline in brain function which usually occurs with age.
- Antioxidants - is a compound that functions to prevent damage to body cells, including damage to brain cells.
3. Participate in activities that trigger creativity
Activities such as work in the fields of literature, art, and music will train the brain to process various information. For example, working in the art field will encourage the brain to make visualization and make it happen, writing or reading activities will help a person build perspective on something and put it in writing, while playing music will improve communication skills between parts of the left brain and right brain. Even one research show children who are active in art activities have the opportunity to start a business when they are adults.
4. Learn new things
By continuing to learn, we will be open to new experiences and things that are a sign that our brain continues to actively process information. Cognitive function will continue to increase because processing new information will increase the size and structure of neurons and the connections between neurons that continue to grow as you continue to learn. The active brain will reduce the severity of preventable cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's, and increase the resistance of cognitive function.
5. Get enough sleep
The brain needs rest to store and process memories and things that have been well studied. Sleep is one of the best ways to rest your brain. Lack of sleep will reduce brain function to think and process information. Getting enough sleep (around 7 hours) will provide more energy for the brain so that it can help the brain to concentrate.
6. Stay in touch with social connections
Socializing can prevent someone from feeling depressed and lonely, both of these are triggers for decreased brain cognitive function. Feeling isolated from the social environment will also have an adverse effect on health. These two factors will interact with each other, thereby increasing the production of stress hormones which ultimately disrupt the cognitive function of the brain. Establishing as many connections as possible and getting along more will reduce your risk for cognitive decline.
7. Regulate stress
Stressors from the surrounding environment will easily increase the hormone cortisol in the body. This can be caused because the brain processes thoughts that constantly cause anxiety. If you experience stress for a long time, chances are the cortisol hormone levels will tend to be constant or even increase, this will reduce brain function, make you experience mood disorders, and experience difficulties in learning. Some activities such as yoga and meditation will help you to relieve stress temporarily, so the hormone cortisol will not increase continuously.
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