TAKE A BREAK
The brain is like a command center for our bodies; it processes everything, from memories to emotions. Our happiness, cleverness, and general well-being require us to take good care of that gray matter. If we give it what it needs, it will serve us well. Here are a few tips anyone can incorporate into their routine to give their brain some TLC. Keep the phone out of bed. When you transition from asleep to awake in the morning, your brain waves steadily transition from alpha to theta to beta. So, don’t reach for your phone when you open your eyes first thing. Doing so interrupts your brain’s essential waking process, resulting in a slew of adverse effects throughout the day, including making it harder for you to think creatively, among other things. Stop negative self-talk. We’re our own worst critics. Doubting and discouraging ourselves is easy, but pushing away negative self-talk is imperative. It leads to stress and overwhelming perfectionism while harming relationships. It undermines positive self-esteem, confidence, and body image. The cyclical nature of negative self-talk makes it hard to get rid of, often requiring therapy, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a standard and effective treatment. Avoid ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods aren’t just bad for your heart; Using These 3 Simple Steps SAFEGUARD YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
BLOOM CINCO COMIC DERBY EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER
RENEWAL VETERANS
Citrus BBQ Chicken
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
• 8 skin-on chicken leg and thigh pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/3 cups ketchup • 2 tbsp brown sugar
they also harm your brain. Hot dogs, sugary sodas, and TV dinners — just a few culprits — harm emotional and cognitive health. One study found that people who eat these things are more
• Juice and zest of 1 orange • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Directions 1. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Combine all other ingredients in a small bowl. 2. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and add the rest to the plastic bag. Toss to evenly coat the chicken and marinate overnight. 3. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add remaining sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer to thicken sauce, about 10 minutes. Set aside. 4. On grill set for medium-high heat, arrange chicken skin side down. Cook until grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Flip chicken, cover grill, and cook until a thermometer inserted into thighs reads 165 F, about 20–25 minutes. 5. Serve with remaining sauce.
likely to have depression and anxiety. Another study correlated high ultra-processed food consumption with an intelligence
decline, especially with aging. It’s unclear why ultra- processed foods are so bad for brains, but the leading theory connects it to gut health. Regardless, abstaining from or reducing your intake of these foods is vital to protecting your mental and physical health.
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