5 Steps to Boost Your Brain and Keep You Focused on Your Goals
1. Sleep 8 Hours Each Night
Getting less than 8 hours of sleep at night lowers overall brain function and causes your brain to release hormones that stimulate cravings and appetite. You may have thought your cravings were a sign of mental weakness, when in fact, it could be you just need more sleep. Read More: 6 Ways to Get More Quality Sleep
2. Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar
You are most likely to deviate from your nutrition plan when you are on the blood sugar roller coaster. Consuming sugary snacks, drinks and processed carbohydrates causes a rise and subsequent fall in blood sugar. Sugar acts like a drug in the brain and impairs cognitive function and decision-making. To control blood sugar, manage stress, get adequate sleep and avoid carbohydrate rich foods, instead fill up on protein, healthy fats and non-starchy vegetables. Read More: What You Should Know About Your Blood Glucose Levels
3. Exercise
Exercise is a wonder drug for the brain. It supplies oxygen and nutrients which in turn improves brain function. Aerobic exercise encourages the growth of new brain cells. When you are physically active, you are more likely to make healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices. Read More: Exercise Is More Than Just Calories Out
4. Pray or Meditate
Brain images of those deep in meditation or prayer consistently show an increase in blood flow to the prefrontal cortex. This activity not only enhances brain function but also alleviates stress and improves attention and planning. Just as lifting weights strengthens the muscles, prayer and meditation strengthens the brain. Read More: How God & Meditation Changes Your Brain
5. Create Focused Goals and Write Them Down
When you focus on what you want, it makes it easier to match your behavior to your goals. Setting, writing down and verbalizing your goals allows your brain to stay forward-focused. Focus on your goals daily and it will make a big difference in your life. Read More: Simple Thinking to Conquer Any Goal
