SURPRISING HABITS HURTING YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
Everything we think, feel, and do involves our brains, so keeping them healthy is worth our time. But doing so might require more from us than a nutritional diet, exercise, and occasional sudoku. Everyday habits can profoundly affect our neurological health, and some will likely surprise you.
Neuroplasticity means the input we give our brains shapes and changes how they function, and negative thinkers have more difficulty reasoning and forming memories. Fortunately, neuroplasticity also means we can choose to change. Mindfulness, stress relief, purposeful
positive thinking, and therapy can all help us learn to turn negative thoughts around. It will improve brain health, and we’ll likely feel happier, too. Spending Too Much Time Alone
Checking Our Phones After Waking Up Many people have their phones in hand before they even get out of bed, but this morning routine could be doing significant damage. Immediately inputting so much sensory information causes our brains to miss crucial stages in the natural waking process. The dopamine we get from checking
Humans are social creatures. So, while our brains need new challenges and information to stay sharp, they also crave social interaction. Spending time with others improves our mental health and ability to form memories. Socializing also keeps our brains active, which neuroscientists believe
messages and likes also primes our brains for more, creating further distractions throughout the day. Experts suggest waiting an hour to check your phone, but if you can’t last that long, every minute you delay counts. Engaging in Negative Thinking Did you know poor mental health impairs our ability to think clearly? The same is true with patterns of negative thinking. Take A Break
might fight dementia. Specifically, older adults can have trouble switching between
active and daydream states, but social interaction will help sharpen that skill. Alone time is crucial, but too much of a good thing can be dangerous. Make sure to interact with friends and family often or find ways
to meet new people whose company you enjoy.
Beet Salad Inspired by EatingWell.com
Known for their earthy yet sweet flavor, beets are the perfect main ingredient for a delicious fall salad.
Ingredients
• 5–6 medium beets • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tbsp sherry or white-wine vinegar • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp honey • 1/2 tsp salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste • 1 large shallot, finely chopped • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Separate beets between 2 pieces of foil; bring edges together and crimp to make packets. Roast until beets are just tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 1/4 hours. Unwrap beets and let cool. 2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make dressing. 3. When beets are cool enough to handle, peel off skins. Cut into 1/2- inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add celery, shallot, and dressing, then toss to coat well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
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